Explode goes last to first in River Rock Casino Handicap

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Last early, Explode pulled away in the stretch to blow away his opponents in the $50,000 River Rock Casino Handicap at Hastings Sunday. He won the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds by a widening 4 1/2 lengths and paid $7.90.

With Amadeo Perez aboard, Explode trailed the field while Golden Moment and Dr John H dueled thorough the first quarter-mile in 22.05 seconds. The winner started to move into contention at the half-mile mark, collared Dr John H heading into the stretch, and drew off under confident handling. Dat Day came from a stalking position to finish second. Dr John H held on for third but pulled up in distress and was vanned off.

The final time was 1:17.19.

Trained by Mark Cloutier, Explode’s only stakes win last year was a romp in the 1 1/16-mile Ascot Graduation to close out his 2-year-old season. He has never been worse than third in seven career starts.

The Kentucky-bred son of Trappe Shot races for Ole Nielsen.

“I said tongue in cheek at last year’s awards dinner I think he’s going to be a ‘good’ horse,” said Nielsen. “I still think he’s going to be a good horse. I thought he would be midpack, not last. Perez is a great money rider and Mark has done a fantastic job training this horse.”