Del Mar Weston Hits a Small Bomb in Best Pal August 8, 2020 Credit: Benoit Photo Del Mar Weston Hits a Small Bomb in Best Pal August 8, 2020 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article DEL MAR, CA – Trainer Ryan Hanson’s Weston hit a small bomb while getting up just in time to win Saturday’s $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (G2) at Del Mar. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Weston broke from post 6 under Drayden Van Dyke at 5/1 odds and sat sandwiched between the 1/2 favorite Roderick and the rail-riding Girther through opening fractions of :22.78 and :46.44. Roderick gave way in the far turn, but Weston and Girther turned for home ready for a match race. Girther pulled ahead at the top of the stretch and looked momentarily like a runaway winner at 32/1, but Weston’s grinding effort gave him enough momentum to slowly sidle up alongside Girther. Fighting hard in the shadow of the wire, Weston got up just in time to score by a neck in a final time of 1:12.72 for the 6-furlong fast dirt sprint. Credit: Benoit Photo “Boy, I had to work hard for that one, but I’m glad I did,” said Van Dyke. “I was happy to win it for Ryan Hanson. He’s such a kind man and a good horse trainer, and this horse showed some class, too. Ryan told me he never got to paddock him (prior to the race), but he was just standing in there like an old pro. I knew I got there in the end and I’m real glad I did.” Girther was 1 1/4 lengths ahead of the Doug O’Neill-trained duo of Ambivalent and Sonic Brees, who made heavy contact with each other at the very top of the stretch. Though no objections were lodged, the stewards hung the inquiry sign and later voted 2-1 to disqualify Ambivalent and place him fourth behind his stablemate. Schnell, Herd Immunity, and Roderick completed the order of finish. Weston’s win was his second from as many starts, having broken his maiden on debut at Santa Anita Park on June 21. The 2-year-old Hit It a Bomb gelding became the first graded stakes winner for both his freshman sire and his trainer, who co-owns along with Chris Drakos. “He broke sharp, just like we wanted him to, but then it looked like he just sat there for a minute,” Hanson said. “I got a little nervous when he got shuffled back, but then he got back up there and fought on. The time was not very impressive, but that doesn’t matter. I didn’t think we were going to win it. I thought we’d be second to (Girther), who had had a trip over the track, but I’m just really happy.” Weston returned $12.20 to win, $6.80 to place, and $4.60 to show. Girther brought back $21.80 to place and $11 to show, while Sonic Brees paid $7.40 to show.
Official Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks | Blinkers Off 692 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the 41st… Read More
Jon White Breeders’ Cup 2024 Interview and Picks | Blinkers Off 691 The Racing Dudes interview Jon White, former Santa Anita, Del… Read More
Breeders’ Cup Classic and Football Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 213 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Pre-Entries Analysis | Blinkers Off 690 The Racing Dudes dive into the 2024 Breeders’ Cup pre-entries… Read More
Keeneland Preview & FREE Pick 5 Tickets | The Magic Mike Show 570 The Magic Mike Show guys preview Keeneland Racetrack on Saturday… Read More
Breeders’ Cup Friday 2024 | LIVE Coverage & Expert Analysis The Racing Dudes provide LIVE coverage of the Friday racing… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks & Tips | Betting Bible Now Released! The 38-page 2024 Breeders’ Cup Betting Bible is now available!… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks & Predictions: 14 Trends To Know The 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships are here! And with seemingly… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 | Picks, Entries, Odds, & Where To Bet The 2024 Breeders’ Cup is all set for Friday and… Read More
Official Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks | Blinkers Off 692 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the 41st… Read More