Pembroke Prayer posted an upset of Biblical proportions
on Saturday at Scarborough Downs, defeating World Champion Enough Talk in
the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Invitational.
In a race filled with incredible early speed, the outcome figured to be
determined by the horse best able to position himself in the opening
moments. Under the urging of driver Heath Campbell,
Pembroke Prayer ($16.60) left alertly and discouraged the other leavers
in the group; Speed Bomb (Ron Cushing) forced into the pocket, Batalj
Launcher (Shawn Gray) consigned to the wide side and destined to be parked
out throughout, and Enough Talk (Peter Kleinhans) wrestled back to last.
Pembroke Prayer continued to employ the front-end strategy throughout and
with
Batalj Launcher clogging up the outer flow, Enough Talk was forced into a
three-wide gambit up the backstretch. The World Champ appeared ready and
willing to rally toward the top when the unthinkable happened -- he rolled
off stride.
“He’s handy on a half-mile and oh so tough when he gets to the lead,”
said winning driver Heath Campbell. “It was unfortunate what happened to
Enough Talk today, but my horse was good.”
Pembroke Prayer's victory timed in 1:57.3 equaled the all-age track
record at Scarborough Downs. It also marked the third time that owner
William Varney reined victorious in Ricci competition. The five-year-old
gelded son of Like A Prayer-Super Earl is co-owned by Mark Ford.
“I want to thank Scarborough Downs for hosting top-level events like
this, giving us an opportunity to race top-level horses in front of the
hometown fans,” said an emotional Varney. “We won back-to-back Riccis with
Stars Photo, but this is the most rewarding.”
Today’s win was the 25th victory for Pembroke Prayer, who is closing in
on the half-million dollar mark for earnings.
Speed Bomb finished second, Hot Shot Blue Chip (Don Richards) finished
third.
Enough Talk, made the prohibitive favourite by the local fans, finished a
disappointing last today.
Driver Peter Kleinhans, gracious in defeat, nonetheless, followed through
on his promise to call the final race track-side. A former announcer at
Hoosier Park and The Red Mile, Kleinhans enjoyed the opportunity to call his
first race of the season.
The $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial is held in memory of former Scarborough
Downs track owner, Joseph Ricci. It is the richest invitational in all of
New England.
Scarborough Downs
