It was “Ladies Day” at the races Saturday at the Humboldt County Fair.
Women trainers, led by Teri Eaton, saddled the winners of the day’s first six races – a first in Humboldt history.
Eaton, who hasn’t sent horses here in over 20 years, won the second, third and fourth races with Madjestic ($3.80), Dajur Bold (5.20) and Millennium Brew (5.20), respectively, to celebrate a sparkling return to the Redwoods.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Ferndale, and to win three races in a row is very exciting,” beamed Eaton in the winners’ circle after the fourth race. Eaton had also won three consecutive races here previously, along with accomplishing the rare feat at Sacramento and Fresno in her training career.
Joanie Beach-Orr sent out the legendary mule Bar JF Red Ticket (6.60) to win Saturday’s opener. It was the 48th victory in the 100th start for Bar JF Red Ticket.
Other women who joined in the parade to the winners’ circle were Shawna Whiteside, who saddled fifth race winner Kalakala (9.00) and Angelo Aquino, who sent out sixth race winner Hidden Crook (11.00).
Christian Aragon, who piloted Hidden Crook, came right back to win the $14,000 Les Mademoiselle feature aboard 16-1 longshot Dancing Sunset.
After pressing early pacesetter Perfectly Seasoned, Aragon urged Dancing Sunset to the front on the final backstretch. The pair edged away into the final bend then turned back the bid of favorite Starring Role for a three-quarter-length score.
Saddled by trainer Quentin Miller, Dancing Sunset returned $35.60 for the stunning upset.
“My horse showed a lot of heart, and really dug in when challenged,” said Aragon.
Sunday’s preview
Quantum Force, a four-time winner this year sprinting at Los Alamitos in Southern California, faces five challengers in Sunday’s $8,500 Irv Parlato Purse feature.
Post time for the first race of the day is set for 2:15 p.m.
Blessed with plenty of early speed, Quantum Force has been claimed an amazing seven times already this year. In fact, his current trainer Edward Freeman has taken the five-year-old son of Papa Clem back three times and for good reason — he has been a gem of consistency. All four of his wins this year have been virtual wire-to-wire productions and he figures to blast away from the starting gate again this afternoon under pilot Jake Samuels.
Fashion Prospect, Awesome Leap, Sierra Dance, Cash Driven and Prince Of Paris complete the field for the Sunday headliner that is named for a longtime supporter of the Humboldt County Fair.
Categories: Horse Racing, Sports