Starting from the outside post 8 and overlooked at 7-1 odds, George Dennis powered the Roddy’s Bags Again-The Artful Diva brown colt away fastest from the gate and never was headed, cutting out the victory for Rodney Long, Tim, and trainer Joe Hundertpfund. On the backstretch, Jon Roberts moved Beammeupscottie up to challenge, but could not reach the leader.
In the stretch, race favorite Golden Gun, with Corey Callahan in the bike, stalked Hot Roddy from the start, then burst down the passing lane to no avail and had to settle for second honors. Artistic Director and Tony Morgan finished third.
“I really intended to come right out and find a hole, but since no one was leaving [fast] I went right to the front,” said Dennis. "This colt loves to race on the lead and fight off his opposition.”
Hot Roddy now has won seven of eight with one second. His bankroll increases to $132,575 this year.
“I want to thank Bobby and George Leager for selling me the colt,” said trainer Joe Hundertpfund. “I bought him after his first race. He was sick last week and I had to scratch him but he came back ready.”
In the $20,000 DSBF consolation, Ross Wolfenden drove Forever Love into the lead heading for the far turn to take control on the way to a 1:57.2 victory for trainer Tim Torbert and breeders-owners Norma Messick and Ron Patton. The Roddy’s Bags Again-Miss Courtney Lynn gelding won for the second time in nine career races. Buzz McQueen closed with a rush for Matt Kakaley to finish second. Early leader and public choice Quick Rod (Corey Callahan) held on for third place. Van The Man was scratched.
Wolfenden had a driving triple.
Monochomatic leads $23,000 Mares Open Handicap, the Monday feature race.