Back with members of her own age group, Go Forth North found things easier in the $100,000 Harold C. Ramser Sr. Handicap (gr. IIIT) at Oak Tree/Hollywood Park Oct. 17. The 3-year-old filly caught pacesetter All Due Respect in the final eighth of a mile to win by a nose. Go Forth North made up four lengths in the last furlong (VIDEO).
The victory made amends for an unplaced effort in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes (gr. IT) at Oak Tree/Hollywood Oct. 2. Taking on older fillies and mares, she finished eighth in the 1 1/4-mile race.
The victory in the Harold C. Ramser Sr. was Go Forth North’s second stakes win following her return from England, where the Kentucky-bred filly had failed to distinguish herself in three races. In August at Del Mar, Go Forth North deadheated for first in the Sandy Blue Handicap. All of Go Forth North’s wins have come since she joined the barn of trainer A.C. Avila during the summer.
Ridden in the Harold C. Ramser Sr. by David Flores, Go Forth North covered the mile in 1:34.48 to win for owners L-Bo Racing, Monte Pyle, and Summer of Fun Racing.
“Beautiful!,’’ said Flores, who was riding Go Forth North for the first time. “She sure knew where the target was and accelerated right after (All Due Respect) at the top of the stretch. I thought I could get there because I could feel the other horse coming back and I was making a good run.
“That’s a good combination. Her momentum right at the end was enough to get up.”
It was the second tough loss in a graded stakes at Oak Tree/Hollywood in as many days for Joe Talamo, who rode All Due Respect. He was aboard Blue Panis, who finished a head behind Fantastic Pick in the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (gr. IIT).
Michael Schmeling and Andy Stronach are the breeders of Go Forth North. Stronach’s father, Frank Stronach, stands Go Forth North's sire, North Light, at his Adena Springs near Paris, Ky.
Go Forth North, who increased her earnings to $171,164, returned $18.20, $8.80, and $4.60. Following Al Due Respect were Antares World, Malibu Pier, It Tiz, Berg Bahn, Timezone, Conniption, Warren’s Jitterbug, Crisis of Spirit, and Pincelada.