Good Luck to You scores in Shirley Vargo

Good Luck to You had a perfect trip on her way to a decisive victory in the $75,000 Shirley Vargo Handicap at Century Mile on Sunday. She paid $5.70 for her three-length win over Blues Roar in the one-mile race for fillies and mares.

With Rigo Sarmieneto riding, she sat in a stalking position while Ruffenuff and Sail On By dueled through a half-mile in 46.46 seconds over a track rated good. She made her presence known approaching the stretch turn, took over the lead on the turn, and turned back a challenge from Blues Roar, who made a strong move to get on even terms midstretch. Raider rallied to finish third.

The final time was 1:39.27.

The Phil Hall-trained 5-year-old daughter of Bellamy Road was making her first start away from Hastings.

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Good Luck to You is owned by George Gilbert. The winner’s share of the purse brought her career earnings to $190,980.

Gem Alta upsets Fred Jones Handicap

Gem Alta came from well back to upset the $50,000 Fred Jones Handicap. He paid $53.80 and posted a final time of 1:45.98.

The 4-year-old gelding by Gemologist was on heels going in the first turn and ended up going six wide around the bend. He had one horse beat when Stone Carver posted a snappy half-mile time of 46.73 seconds in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. He started to move into contention while going four wide on stretch turn, took over the lead at the eighth-pole, and drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Sir Bronx. Stone Carver held on to finish third.

Gem Alta and Stone Carver are trained by Tim Rycroft and owned by Riversedge Racing Stables. The same connections sent out Trooper John, who finished fifth as the 9-5 favorite.

It was the first stakes win for Gem Alta who was bred in Kentucky by Dr. Thomas A. Castoldi.