Up to Party remains unbeaten with Ed Burke victory

Up to Party, bought for $12,000 at a yearling sale last fall, remained unbeaten after three starts with a comprehensive win in Sunday’s $1,010,000 Ed Burke Million Futurity for 2-year-old Quarter Horses.

Up to Party, ridden by Armando Cervantes, broke well and avoided the trouble that plagued a few rivals to win the 350-yard race by a half-length over 17-1 Ultimate Gamble.

The only filly in a field of 10, Up to Party ($10.20) was timed in 17.31 seconds. Up to Party and Ultimate Gamble are trained by Monty Arrossa.

Devils Tower (7-2) finished third. Norco, the 6-5 favorite, had a slow start and raced in traffic midway through the race. Norco finished seventh by three lengths.

Up to Party, by Kiddy Up, earned $407,400 and has earned $415,500. She won a 300-yard maiden race on April 27 and a division of the Ed Burke time trials on May 26, setting the fastest qualifying time of 17.58 seconds.

Up to Party races for Matt and Bendi Dunn of Missouri. Matt Dunn and Arrossa said Up to Party will be rested through the summer, with races such as the Golden State Million and Los Alamitos Two Million futurities in the fall as long-range goals.

The Dunns and Arrossa had a memorable weekend. On Saturday, Pattys Saint won the $100,000 Abigail Kawananakoa Stakes at 350 yards for fillies and mares to strengthen her status as Quarter Horse racing’s leading older female this year.

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