Kwik holds on in Cherokee Nation Classic Cup; Lady Orchid repeats in More Than Even Stakes
Kwik withstood a challenge from 2-5 favorite Quality Rocket – and a claim of foul by that one’s rider – to capture the $55,000 Cherokee Nation Classic Cup on the closing-day Wednesday card at Will Rogers Downs.
The race was one of two Oklahoma-bred stakes on the program. Lady Orchid defended her title in the $55,000 More Than Even.
Kwik ($26.40) led throughout, setting posted fractions of 48.71 seconds for the opening half-mile of the mile and a sixteenth race, and 1:12.96 for six furlongs. In the stretch, he held off a rallying Quality Rocket to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:44.16.
Following the race, it was announced a claim of foul had been lodged against the winner for stretch interference. The stewards made no change to the order of finish.
Kwik won by three-quarters of a length winner over Quality Rocket. It was another length and a quarter back in third to Dak Da Man.
Obed Sanchez rode Kwik for Jeff Wyrick and trainer Jose Ibarra. Kwik was second in last year’s Classic Cup and recorded his first stakes win Wednesday. He is a son of Successful Appeal.
Lady Orchid won the More Than Even for the second year in a row when she drove to a half-length victory over Country Daisy. It was another three lengths back in third to Dipping In.
Lady Orchid ($2.40) sat just off the pace set by Country Daisy, who took the field through six furlongs in 1:14.54. The eventual winner moved to the fore in the stretch and covered 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in 1:44.14. The win was the fifth in a stakes for Lady Orchid.
Floyd Wethey Jr. was aboard Lady Orchid for trainer Francisco Bravo. Lady Orchid is a daughter of Oratory and the stakes-winning mare Burst of Life. She races for her breeder, Lori Bravo.