Storm Mesa wins fourth straight in Iowa Oaks

ALTOONA, Iowa - Storm Mesa extended her winning streak to four in a row as she led every step of the way to win the Grade 3, $250,000 Iowa Oaks on Friday night at Prairie Meadows.

Storm Mesa went to her knees at the start but quickly recovered and shot to the front. After shaking of Rasierra at the quarter pole, she dug in and won by a length over a fast-closing Sky Mom. She paid $4 to win.

Coming into Storm Mesa's first graded test, trainer Bret Calhoun said he thought she was one of the best 3-year-old fillies in the country. After the race he said that she had validated his belief in the Oaks.

"Physically she always showed potential and now that it's come together mentally," he said. "She continues to climb up the ladder."

Eddie Martin Jr., who rode Sky Mesa said following the race that he had plenty of filly left at the end and that he was waiting on horses to come to her.

Calhoun stated following the race that Sky Mesa, who covered the 1 1/16 mile in 141.8O, may make her next start in the Alabama at Saratoga.

Tiz Now Tiz Then loops field in Derby

Tiz Now Tiz Then ($12.60) trailed the field when they passed under the wire for the first timebut was first under the wire when it counted as he circled the field to win the $250,000 Iowa Derby. Since relocating from the West Coast Tiz Now Tiz Then has won three straight. Miguel Mena rode the winner for trainer Eoin Hardy.

Maya's Storm finished second but was subsequently disqualified and placed fifth for bothering Acting Zippy while lugging in at the furlong pole.

Z Fortune who was sent off as the 3-5 favorite had a nightmare trip. He was bottled up as the field passed the quarter pole and remained in constant trouble through the stretch.

* Miss Macy Sue ($3.60) set a new stakes record as she took the Saylorville for the second straight time. Trained by Kelly Von Hemel, Miss Macy Sue covered the six furlongs in 108.03 and won as she pleased by six lengths under jockey Eusebio Razo Jr.