Rosberg runs down Krazy Koffee in Premiers

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Under a perfectly timed ride by Frank Fuentes, Rosberg got up just in time to win the Grade 3, $103,482 Premiers by a neck over Krazy Koffee.

Fuentes was content to let Rosberg trail the field early while two-time Sovereign Award winner True Metropolitan carved out honest fractions of 46.98 seconds and 1:11.61 in the 1 3/8-mile race. Spaghetti Mouse took over the lead going down the backstretch but then was passed by Krazy Koffee, who made a strong move on the stretch turn. It appeared Krazy Koffee was going to win the race when he opened up a three-length lead at the top of the stretch, but he couldn't hold off the late surge of Rosberg. Spaghetti Mouse held on to finish a clear third.

True Metropolitan, who was sent off as the 3-2 favorite, tired to finish fifth.

"It was a little tough to get him settled but once he relaxed he was happy to lope around back there,"Fuentes said of Rosberg. "When I worked him last week he showed me a great kick, so I wasn't too worried. I'm just glad I got up in time."

It was the third straight win in a $100,000 stakes race at Hastings for Fuentes .

Rosberg, who is trained by Dino Condilenios, paid $17.60 to win. The final time for the race was 2.03.45.

"What a great ride by Frank," said Condilenios. "He couldnt have timed it any better."

A 7-year-old horse by A. P. Indy, Rosberg earned $60,000 for his owners, Swift Thoroughbred Inc.