Bluegrass Flag Goes Gate-to-Wire in Maiden Victory
January 14, 2017 – Under the steady guidance of jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Bluegrass Flag glided home victoriously to win by three lengths at Aqueduct Racetrack. Despite being bumped at the start, the three-year-old filly held her own from gate-to-wire.
Registered as the sixth horse to leave the gate on Saturday, Bluegrass Flag was bumped but recovered instantly and set out to set the pace. My Girl Annie and Easy Way Out followed behind as Bluegrass Flag cruised through fractions of 23.09, 47.21 and 59.83. Charging into the stretch, the field appeared to close in on the leader, but only briefly. My Girl Annie, with Manuel Franco in the irons, attempted to catch the front-runner but were left in her wake and faded to third. Easy Way Out and Irad Ortiz Jr. surged to finish second behind Bluegrass Flag, who posted a time of 1:12.62 for the six-furlong contest.
Bluegrass Flag is a daughter of Bluegrass Cat and No More Flags, by Personal Flag. She was bred in New York by Susanne and James Hooper and Thomas C. Albrecht, who also co-owns her with Vincent J. Fusaro. Saturday’s win marked the filly’s second start and maiden victory, bringing her earnings to $33,220.
Photo: Adam Coglianese
