Photos courtesy of JJ Zamaiko Photography
Authentic Cowtown and Moonlit Mission were impressive winners inn the two Ohio Bred Stake races held at Thistledown on June 17th.
Authentic Cowtown, wearing the silks of his breeder Mapleton Farms and with Malcolm Franklin riding for the first time, wired the field for co-owner and trainer James McDonald in the George Lewis Memorial Stakes. The 4 year old son of Cowtown Cat out of the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Echt stopped the timer in 1:46:66 defeating Ohio Champion Mobil Solution by 2 3/4 lengths. Sammy Da Bull rallied up for third at 47-1 in the 8 horse field.
In the very next race, Moonlit Mission, who received a perfect trip from jockey Jose Bracho, rallied in the lane then held of the charges of Drillit and Cali Dream to take down the J. William Petro Stakes. Moonlit Mission got the 1 1/16 in 1:48:22 with 3/4 of a length and a head separating the top 3 finishers.
The 4 yr. old chestnut filly was bred by the Belvedere Farm for owner Charlie Williams and trainer Silvano Gonzalez. Moonlit Mission is by Shackleford out of the Maria’s Mon mare Moonlit River.
The two stakes highlighted an exciting 8 race Thursday card that registered a very solid handle of $1,349,833. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participates in and supports Ohio racing. Having the opportunity to run in 43 Ohio bred stakes annually such as these makes Ohio Thoroughbred Racing the best bet in the business!
