J J's Indy can't be caught in Oklahoma Classic

J J’s Indy literally stole the spotlight on Oklahoma’s richest Thoroughbred program Friday night, when he coasted to a front-running, length and a half win over 3-5 favorite Pleasant Storm in the $167,375 Oklahoma Classics Night Classic at Remington Park.

The mile and a sixteenth race for 3-year-olds and up was the main event on a program of eight divisional stakes for Oklahoma-breds. Purses for the races totaled more than $1 million, making the card the richest ever run for Thoroughbreds in Oklahoma. Last year, purses for Classics Night were $570,000. However, with supplements from tribal offtrack betting sites, the program reached new heights Friday.

J J’s Indy ($11.40) also took his game to a new level, becoming a stakes winner in the Classic. He moved to the lead through an opening quarter in 24.40 seconds, and maintained a clear advantage through six furlongs in 1:13.01. I n the stretch, J J’s Indy comfortably held off a bid from Pleasant Storm to cover the distance on a sloppy track in 1:44.57.

“I knew turning for home he still had something left,” said Dale Cordova, who was aboard for Marvin Wooldridge and trainer Brent Charlton.
J J’s Indy, a 4-year-old by Indy Talent, has now won 4 of 21 starts and $209,265.

Skedee skips home in Filly and Mare Turf

Skedee stalked the leaders then opened up by 4 1/2 lengths through the stretch in the $130,000 Filly and Mare Turf. It was her second straight win in the 7 1/2-furlong turf race that she took last year on Classics Night.

“She is a dream to ride and is just push button,” said Chris Landeros, who has been aboard for both of Skedee’s wins on Classics Night. “The older she gets, the more she has been able to control her pace and have a lot of punch down the stretch.”

Skedee ($2.40) covered the distance over yielding turf in 1:31. She races for Robert Poteet and John and Mary Lowder and is trained by Mary Lowder.

In other stakes action:

* Miss Kipling ($4.20) used an extended drive to get past the leaders and win the $90,000 Lassie. She covered six furlongs in the slop in 1:11.72. Cliff Berry was aboard for trainer Bret Calhoun.

* Smiles Ahead ($5.60) tracked in third then moved to the lead for a one-length win over stablemate Catabout in the $90,000 Juvenile. He covered six furlongs in 1:10.64. Ken Shino was aboard for trainer Wilson Brown.

* She’s All In ($2.20) stalked the pace then drew out by 11 lengths in the $145,000 Distaff. She was part of a favored entry with her older half-sister, Peach Brew, who finished sixth. Roger Engel trains She’s All In, who is 3, for her breeder, Robert Zoellner. Cliff Berry rode She’s All In.

Later on the card, Engel sent out Strategic Leader ($7.60) to defend his title in the $130,000 Turf. Benny Landeros rode Strategic Leader, who won by 2 1/2 lengths for H and S Farms.

* Specialfite ($33.40) edged Steal Your Face by a nose to win the $130,000 Sprint. ScottYoung was aboard for Mary Downing and trainer by Shad Seaton.

* Shotgun Gulch ($7.40) got past Vertical Vision late for a neck win in the $130,000 Filly Sprint. Luis Quinonez was aboard the winner for owner-trainer C.R. Trout.