Charming Ruckus Fights Wind to Win Jammed Lovely

(from Woodbine report)
Charming Ruckus saved her best for last, as the 3-year-old daughter of Silver Charm captured her first added-money race in late-running fashion Sunday in the $169,250 Jammed Lovely Stakes at windy Woodbine.

Under Todd Kabel, the Ontario-bred - who had been knocking on the door in her three previous stakes appearances - took the top prize amid windy conditions for the seven-furlong main track tilt. The time of the race was 1:23.49.

It was the third win from 11 starts in 2005 for the Windways Farm-bred filly, who finished second to Hatpin in a prep for the Jammed Lovely on Oct. 22.

"I felt I had the momentum turning for home, but when that gust (of wind) hit me and knocked me sideways, I thought we blew all our chances," said Kabel. "This filly dug in hard."

Kabel and his mount were well off the early pace set by River Nore, who led the 10-horse field through fractions of :22.51 and :44.95. Wheeled six-wide mid-stretch, Charming Ruckus rallied willingly and crossed the wire a one-length winner over another late closer, Simply Lovely. River Nore finished a head back for third.

"It's great to make her a stakes winner," said conditioner Malcolm Pierce. "She ran hard all year and ran behind the best fillies early in the season.

"This was the right spot. This is her distance, and the timing is right. Now, she had her day."

Charming Ruckus, who raised her career earnings to $314,333, returned $5.80, $3.40, $2.80, combining with Simply Lovely ($6, $4) for a $29 exacta. River Nore ($4.20) completed the $108.50 trifecta.

(Chart, Equibase)