Ibaka extends wins streak to four in Texas Stallion Stakes

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Ibaka won his fourth consecutive race on Saturday night, when he pulled clear of F J Uncle Vic for a three-length triumph in the $75,000 colts and geldings division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Lone Star Park. It was another 3 1/2 lengths back in third to Ring Necked.

Also on the program, Thegirlinthatsong ($15.80) closed from last to take the $75,000 fillies’ division of the Texas Stallion Stakes. Both races were for 3-year-olds at a mile, and each was restricted to the offspring of nominated stallions.

Ibaka ($3.80) broke well and tracked Internet Success, who took the field through fractions of 24.23 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.12 seconds for the half-mile, and 1:12.50 for six furlongs. Ibaka came into the stretch between horses, but pulled away from his rivals and went on to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:37.71.

“This colt, he’s just class,” said Lindey Wade, who rode the winner for trainer Bret Calhoun. “Today he showed versatility. He relaxed off the pace.”

Doug Wall bred and owns Ibaka, who began his streak in a first-level allowance at Delta Downs on Jan. 10. He proceeded to win the seven-furlong division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park in February, and then captured the $50,000 Texas Heritage over open company, also at Sam Houston, in March.

With the win Saturday night, Ibaka remained unbeaten at two turns from three route starts. He is an Oklahoma-bred son of Uncle Abbie. Ibaka, who earned $45,000, has now won 5 of 7 starts and $162,036.

Thegirlinthatsong rallied for a 4 1/2-length win in the fillies division of the Stallion Stakes. She raced about six lengths off the pace set by Scooter’s Choice, who was clear through fractions of 24.32 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.82 for the half-mile, and 1:12.62 for six furlongs. Thegirlinthatsong closed through the stretch to cover the distance in 1:38.53.

“She’s push-button,” said apprentice David Cabrera, aboard for winning trainer Andrew Konkoly. “I kind of just lift the reins, and she goes.”

Scooter’s Choice held second, while it was another length back in third to Paddle Out.

Thegirlinthatsong, owned by Anjo Racing, earned $45,000 for the win, her fourth from 12 starts. Last year, she won the $100,000 Happy Ticket on turf at Louisiana Downs.

“She’s an honest filly. She tries hard,” said Konkoly.

Thegirlinthatsong is a daughter of My Golden Song and was bred in Texas by the late Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Lone Star paid tribute to Scharbauer on Saturday night, by featuring photos and video footage of some of his best horses, including Alysheba, the winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1987 and the Horse of the Year in 1988. The Texas Thoroughbred Association earlier this year renamed its entire Texas Stallion Stakes series for Scharbauer, who died in February.

Lone Star handled $899,322 on its nine-race program from all sources Saturday night, with $337,325 of that amount bet by the ontrack crowd of 6,303.