Racetothefinish upsets W W Fitzy in Powerless Stakes
Racetothefinish, a filly trained by Scott Becker, scored a two-length victory over odds-on favorite W W Fitzy, a mare formerly trained by Becker, winning the $65,700 Powerless Stakes on Saturday at Hawthorne.
Racetothefinish already had won five time from nine starts but ran the best race of her life posting a 15-1 upset in the 6 1/2-furlong Powerless, for older Illinois-bred fillies and mares. She and 4-5 shot W W Fitzy raced adjacently down the Hawthorne backstretch, stalking splits of 22.41 and 45.11 as Sister Ruler led 2-1 second choice Jolina into the Powerless’s one turn.
At the three-furlong marker Victor Santiago tipped Racetothefinish outside, his mount in the bridle and easily maneuverable, while the more ponderous W W Fitzy lost a couple lengths while maintaining a path about two horse-widths from the rail. W W Fitzy split horses and tried to engage Racetothefinish at the furlong grounds, but Racetothefinish drew clear for a decisive score.
Becker trains Racetothefinish for owner Charles Ritter as a rare horse in his stable for a client other than William Stiritz. Stiritz bred and previously owned W W Fitzy, who was claimed for $40,000 this past Feb. 11 by trainer and part-owner Cipriano Contreras.
Jolina put away Sister Ruler while no match for the top two, finishing nearly three lengths behind W W Fitzy.
Racetothefinish was timed in 1:16.81 on a fast track and paid $33.40 to win.
Four-year-old Racetothefinish is by Race Day out of Tribute to Momma, by He’s a Tough Cat.