Yo Y Me, McKenzie Honey deliver as favorites in Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Fall Sales Stakes
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PHOENIX – Yo Y Me, the even-money favorite after a romping maiden win here Oct. 17, validated that confidence when he captured Saturday’s $55,081 colts and geldings division of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Fall Sales Stakes at Turf Paradise.
Owned by William Matthews and Kevin Eikleberry and trained by Eikleberry, Yo Y Me ($4.20), a son of Dixie Chatter, was part of a three-way battle early with French General and Howdy Kingkowboy in the six-furlong event. He then dueled with Howdy Kingkowboy to midstretch before getting the better of that foe in the lane to edge clear and win by a length under Ry Eikleberry. Howdy Kingkowboy stayed on well for second, well clear of Wolf Bounty, who was third in the field of 11.
Yo Y Me ran the six furlongs in 1:10.92. The winner’s share of $22,032 pushes his earnings to $53,809 from two wins in six starts.
McKenzie Honey, the 2-5 favorite on the basis of her success in stakes, dominated the $66,098 filly division of the ATBA Fall Sales Stakes, winning easily by eight lengths.
Owned by Barbara Eakin, Steve Smith, and Jonathan Nance, and trained by Nance, McKenzie Honey ($2.80) dueled early under Jorge Bourdieu from her inside post in the six-furlong race, was soon a clear leader going down the backstretch and to the far turn, and expanded her advantage from there to the wire, winning geared down. Top Hat Wildcat stalked the pace and ran on for second, far clear of Bring On the Bling, who was third in the field of seven 2-year-old fillies.
McKenzie Honey, a daughter of Parading, ran the distance in 1:11.02. The winner’s share of $25,888 gives her earnings of $74,024 from three wins in six starts.