For Rubies Grabs Gold in Chicago BC 'Cap

(from track report)
Choctaw Racing Stable's For Rubies engaged favored Raging Fever at the top of the stretch and overtook her rival at the eighth pole en route to a three-length upset victory in the Chicago Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) Saturday at Arlington Park.

Craig Perret picked up his third victory in the Chicago Breeders' Cup Handicap aboard the daughter of Not For Love, who earned $69,450 from the total purse of $145,750 to boost her bankroll to $334,440. The Chicago Breeders' Cup was the eighth victory in the 18 starts for the Lynn Whiting-trained filly. She covered the seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:24.21.

Never more than a length off Raging Fever, For Rubies raced to Raging Fever's outside. She moved to the leader on her own and responded when asked inside the furlong pole.

"Lynn had this filly ready," Perret said. "He told me to use her as I need her. We just wanted to keep that filly of Mark Hennig's (favored Raging Fever) honest. He told me this filly was right, and he was right about that. When I got inside of the eighth pole, I hadn't asked her to do any running yet and she got by that one filly (Raging Fever). I didn't care who else was coming. They'd have had to run too quick to run her down."

Raging Fever, the even money favorite, quickly went to the lead and established fractions of 22.62 for the opening quarter mile, 45.27 seconds for the half and a three-quarter mile split of 1:10.46 while under pressure from the eventual winner.

"I had a good trip and a good clean chance," said Aaron Gryder, the former Arlington Park riding champion who came in from New York to guide Raging Fever. "My filly broke okay, not great, but she had the lead two strides out of the gate. I was happy with the pace but Craig let his filly come up right on her side. My filly tried hard but he had the better filly today."

It was another four lengths back to Oglala Sue, who ran third in the eight-horse field.

Third choice in the wagering at odds of more than 7-1, For Rubies paid $16.40, $4.60 and $3.80. Raging Fever returned $3 and $2.60. Oglala Sue paid $5.80.

(Chart, Equibase)