Forrest G. upsets in TTA Sales Futurity

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Forrest G. pulled a 33-1 upset in the $135,450 colts and geldings division of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park on Saturday when he rallied to an authoritative, two and a half length win. Lord Vicar finished second, a nose in front of third-place finisher D Denton.

Forrest G. ($68.20) settled in behind a rapid pace, as a wall of horses, led by 4-5 favorite and eventual sixth-place finisher Premier Dance, vied through an opening quarter in 21.41 seconds and a half-mile in 44.70 seconds. Forrest G. put in a strong bid through the stretch, covering the distance over a fast track in 57.54 seconds.

"He broke exceptional, and laid right behind them," said Casey Lambert, who rode the winner for trainer Marvin Hayes. "They were jamming up a little in front of us, and we stepped outside of them and picked them up pretty fast down the lane."

Forrest G. won for the first time in his career in the TTA Sales Futurity, and for his effort earned $81,720. In his only other start, he had finished a troubled third in a trial race for the finale. Forrest G. is a son of Truluck and he races for Hayes and partner Terry Wood.

Fillies division to 'Clover'

Covered in Clover gave trainer Steve Asmussen his sixth win in the fillies division of the TTA Sales Futurity when she overtook entry mate September In Texas for a length and a quarter win in the five-furlong race that had a purse of $131,500. It was another two lengths back in third to Final Trick.

Covered in Clover and September In Texas, who is also trained by Asmussen, both race for their breeders, Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt.

Covered in Clover ($2.60) stalked the pace set by Final Trick, who ran the opening quarter in 21.40 seconds, while being pushed along by The Neighbor's Cat and September in Texas. Covered in Clover advanced around the turn, and went on to cover the distance in 57.69 seconds.

"We had a very good break, and she stalked very well right on the outside of the speed," said Jamie Theriot, who rode the winner. "When I called on her at the top of the lane, she was full of run."

Covered in Clover won her maiden in the Sales Futurity, and for her effort earned the first-place check of $78,900. Covered in Clover is a daughter of Open Forum.

Asmussen's past winners of the fillies division of the TTA Sales Futurity are Berdelia in 2004, Bluegrass Sara in 2003, Smoke Buster in 2001, Louetta in 2000, and Maddie's Promise in 1999. Bluegrass Sara and Louetta raced for the Heiligbrodts.

Attendance on Saturday was 10, 778, and handle on the 11-race card was $2,592,887.