Going Ballistic surpasses million-dollar milestone

Going Ballistic became a millionaire in style Monday, when he closed well to win the $150,000 on turf and Pleasantly Blessed running down favorite Hotlantic in the $50,000 Ricks Memorial.

Going Ballistic ($25.80) raced more than 15 lengths off the pace set by King Dan in the Governor's Cup, with the leader clear through a half-mile in 46 seconds. Jonesboro, stalking in second, overtook the pacesetter into the stretch as Going Ballistic was winding up on the final turn. The eventual winner rallied with determination and covered the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.80.

Going Ballistic earned $90,000 for the win, to push his career bankroll to $1,038,912.

"It's fun getting it done today" trainer Donnie Von Hemel said of reaching millionaire status with Going Ballistic. "He's been a special horse."

Going Ballistic is now 3 for3 over the main track at Remington, where in 2007 he won the Oklahoma Derby. He is owned by Kindred Thoroughbreds. Luis Quinonez was aboard Going Ballistic, and one race later came back to take the DeBartolo Memorial on Tizfiz.

* Tizfiz ($4.40) tracked the pace in third in the 1 1/8-mile turf race, took the lead in the stretch, and increased her advantage late for a two-length win over Get Rich Quick. She covered the distance on firm turf in 1:48.03.

Tizfiz was the second straight mare to win the DeBartolo behind Brownie Points, who was also ridden by Quinonez when she won the race in 2008.

Tizfiz is owned by Brian Kahn and Richard O'Neill Trust and is trained by John Good.

* Pleasantly Blessed ($6.80) waited patiently along the inside for room heading into the stretch of the Ricks then rallied fast when clear to get up for a length win over pacesetter and favorite Hotlantic. Pleasantly Blessed covered the mile on turf in 1:34.43. Jermaine Bridgmohan rode the winner for Tom Tysdal and trainer Steve Asmussen.