Turf Paradise: Northern Indy goes the distance in Hasta La Vista

Northern Indy had finished off the board in his only two prior grass starts, but some back-class and a distance pedigree bolstered the 4-year-old to victory in Sunday’s $35,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap at Turf Paradise on the final race of the track’s 156-day meet.

Owned by Lindsay LaRoche and trained by Miguel Silva, who ended up the meet’s leading trainer and leading owner, Northern Indy dogged pacesetter Keen Bidder while far ahead of the rest of the field in the 1 7/8-mile grass marathon. He battled with Keen Bidder most of the way and finally got the better of him under Geovanni Franco, edging away to win by two lengths.

Keen Bidder held on for second just ahead of rallying Double Shuffle in the field of nine. Brass Plate, the 9-5 favorite, sat fourth much of the way but lacked the needed punch, finishing fifth in the traditional closing-day feature.

Northern Indy, a 4-year-old son of Horse of the Year A. P. Indy, ran the distance in 3:13.06. He paid $10.80, and the winner’s share of $20,832 gives him earnings of $130,124 from three wins in 16 starts.

Gadsden Purchase wins ATBA Sales Stakes

Gadsden Purchase made it a perfect 2 for 2 as the son of Eddington had no trouble capturing the $60,500 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes. Under Anne Von Rosen he dueled for the early lead in the five-furlong event for 2-year-olds and edged clear in the lane, winning by 1 1/4 lengths for owners Doug Oliver, Wayne Wiseman and Dave Marshall. He’s also trained by Oliver.

Youbetshewon, the 3-10 favorite, pressed the winner from the start and ended up second ahead of My Little Tweety in the field of nine.

Gadsden Purchase ran the distance in 57.80 and paid $8.80 as the second choice.

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