Perry Harrison's Change of Control captured her tenth lifetime win and pushed her career earnings over the $900,000 mark in Monday's co-featured $150,000 Andy Guest Stakes at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va.
The 6-year-old Fed Biz mare went three wide at the top of the stretch and drew clear in the 5-1/2 furlong turf test, crossing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of CJ Thoroughbreds' Jeanie B in 1:03.72. The Michelle Lovell trainee had been stakes placed three times this year — without a win — but broke through Monday with regular rider Colby Hernandez up top. Change of Control's consistent career has resulted in 26 in-the-money finishes from 37 starts.
“She's like a cherry on top all the time,” said a happy Lovell in the winners circle. “She loves Colby. They have a great connection. She put him right into the race initially, probably a bit more than he even thought. With the long stretch here, he bided his time and ran game to the finish. If our regular Kentucky riders want to come and ride here, we are happy to have them if they'll make the drive or take a flight,” she added. “I know it's not easy on them but I think Colby would go anywhere to ride her.”
George Sharp's Front Run the Fed returned to action for the first time since last October and prevailed by a head in the $150,000 Van Clief Stakes after a thrilling finish.
Also a son of Fed Biz, the 6-year-old horse went five-wide amongst a tight group midway down the stretch and battled with Gordon Keys' Grateful Bred to the wire in the 5 1/2-furlong grass race. Multiple Eclipse award winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. led the winning effort for trainer Caio Caramori.
Front Run the Fed was purchased by Sharp for $440,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age sale last July.
“I loved that horse for a long time and when he came up for sale, I went beyond the price I was going to pay. The horse has a lot of class. Chad Brown brought him along nicely. He had three heart breaking preps for the Breeders' Cup last year so I kept him out of it. He needed time off,” added Sharp. “He had some wear and tear on him. We gave him nine months off and he paid me back today.”
Sharp plans to head to Saratoga and possibly enter Front Run the Fed in the Fourstardave.
Even money betting choice Just Might finished fourth for trainer Lovell.
“He missed the break and just had a rough trip,” she said. “He still picked up a check. I'm very proud of that horse.”
The summer racing season at Colonial Downs continues Tuesday with a 9-race card at 1:45 PM. The current meet runs thru September 7.
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