R Obsession comes flying in Frances Genter

The speed battle trainer Tim Ritvo hoped would develop to enhance stretch-running R Obsession's chances in Saturday's $100,000 at Calder never materialized. But in the end it didn't matter, as R Obsession finished full of run along the hedge to easily wear down pacesetter Our Exploit en route to a 1 1/4-length victory in the 7 1/2-furlong stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Our Exploit outsprinted all the other speed types to the lead in the Genter, posting fractions of 23.10 seconds, 45.74, and 1:09.91 for the opening six furlongs. R Obsession settled less than a half-dozen lengths off the lead in midpack, made a quick move along the inside to improve her position entering the stretch, then continued strongly to easily run down the tiring leader. Our Exploit finished 2 1/2 lengths in front of Marina de Chavon. Capeside Lady, the 9-5 favorite despite making her first start on turf, checked home fourth.

R Obsession, a daughter of Notebook owned by the A. Kales Company, paid $20 after covering the distance in 1:28.05 over the firm course.

"I thought there would be more horses going for the lead and that the pace would be real quick," said Ritvo. "I didn't expect us to be as close to the pace as we were, but everything worked out perfectly, and I knew she'd punch at the end. To be honest, she ran better than I expected."

The victory was the second in the last three starts for R Obsession, who won the Judy's Red Shoes on Sept. 11 before finishing a troubled seventh in the Calder Oaks.

"She got beat only five lengths in the Oaks and probably would have been two or three lengths closer if she didn't have to steady, which forced her to lose her momentum and start all over again," said Ritvo.