(from Monmouth Park report)
K and K Racing Stable's La Reason rolled to the lead in upper stretch and drew off to an impressive three-length win in the $300,000 Molly Pitcher Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Monmouth Park."Trish and David Vance gave me a tape of her races and I took it home and studied," said winning rider Chuck C. Lopez. "When she made the lead, she got to looking around a little, so I don't think we've gotten to the bottom of this horse yet. This is the biggest win of my career and hopefully I get to continue to ride her."La Reason returned $47.40, $18 and $4 after covering the 1 1/8-mile distance over a fast main track in 1:51 flat. Yell, who survived an objection by the third place finisher for interference around the quarter pole, paid $5 and $2.20 and completed a $212 exacta. Bare Necessities, the race favorite, finished third and paid $2.10. The trifecta returned $569.60."She was doing as good as she's ever done," said Patricia Vance, assistant and daughter of trainer David Vance. "We don't let her run but the last quarter of a mile. If she gets to the front too early, she gets bored and lets the field catch her." The Molly Pitcher win marked the sixth trip to the winner's circle in 18 career starts for the 4-year-old filly by Labeeb out of the Naskra mare Reasoning. She has earned $405,175 for her connections.In the $60,000 Betsy Ross Stakes, Laurence I. Foggle's Melody of Colors blew past her rivals turning for home and opened up for a two-length win, completing the five furlongs over firm turf in :55 4/5.Ridden by Eibar Coa, Melody of Colors paid $10, $5.80 and $4.40. Hidden Ransom completed a $115.80 exacta. Chez Audra was another half-length back in third."This mare is money in the bank, she always runs her race," said winning trainer Tim Hills. The Betsy Ross win marked the seventh in 27 starts for the 5-year-old mare by Concorde's Tune out of the Constitution mare Carefree Laughter. She has now earned $240,860 for her owner.(Chart, Equibase)
La Reason surprises in Molly Pitcher.
