News Summary
The Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on January 11 witnessed an unexpected twist as Owen Almighty’s initial victory was overturned due to a stewards’ inquiry. Naughty Rascal was declared the new winner, marking his third stakes victory. The race showcased high stakes and intense competition, reminding fans of the unpredictable nature of horse racing. As preparations begin for the Sam F. Davis Stakes, anticipation builds for future performances from the newly crowned champion.
Tampa Bay Downs Sees Dramatic Turn in Pasco Stakes
In an exciting twist at Tampa Bay Downs on January 11, race enthusiasts were treated to a surprising conclusion in the Pasco Stakes. Initially, Owen Almighty clinched what seemed like a glorious victory, only to have that win reversed after a stewards’ inquiry reshaped the outcome of the race. The final call? A spectacular win for Naughty Rascal, who had his moment in the spotlight thanks to the race’s unexpected turn of events!
A Roll of the Dice: Stakes and Performance
The Pasco Stakes, a thrilling race of seven furlongs boasting a hefty purse of $92,500, had all the elements of a classic showdown. It was a day that promised action, and the horses certainly delivered. As the horses thundered down the track, Owen Almighty made quite an impression—especially considering it was his first race back after a four-month break due to a gastrointestinal infection.
Owen Almighty raced fiercely, posting fractions of :21.92 for the first quarter and :44.53 for the half-mile. With jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. at the helm, he took command early on. But drama was just around the corner when he bumped into Rookie Card as they approached the far turn, causing Rookie Card to lose its footing and fall back to fifth place.
And just like that, in a horse racing moment that will be talked about for months, the stewards deemed Owen Almighty’s action as worthy of disqualification. As a result, the initial victor was placed fifth, paving the way for Naughty Rascal to emerge victorious!
Naughty Rascal’s Triumph
The new winner, Naughty Rascal, is a son of Rogueish out of Baby Doll and is co-owned by Mr Pug, LLC and J.P.G. 2, LLC. With this triumphant moment, he’s now earned a total of $220,630, marking this event as his third stakes victory! Ridden by jockey Edwin Gonzalez, Naughty Rascal made the most of his opportunity and was rewarded for his efforts.
This win has also set the stage for Naughty Rascal, as claims are surfacing regarding plans to prepare him for the upcoming Sam F. Davis Stakes on February 8. The excitement is building as fans eagerly anticipate how he will perform in the future.
Trainer Perspectives and Other Races
Training results came into play as well. Owen Almighty’s trainer, Brian Lynch, expressed that although the disqualification was unfortunate, it was a call that ultimately upheld fairness in the sport. It’s moments like these that show the high stakes involved in horse racing and how quickly fortunes can change.
The day didn’t end with the Pasco Stakes. The thrill continued with the Gasparilla Stakes, where Dancing Magic emerged victorious after a breathtaking rally from the back of the pack, with Junior Alvarado steering the charge. With a purse of $82,500, the Gasparilla Stakes serves as a prep race for the upcoming Suncoast Stakes, building excitement on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.
Conclusion: The Heart of Racing
The Pasco Stakes not only highlighted the competitiveness of the field but also reinforced the solemn duty of the stewards in maintaining the integrity of racing. Whether it’s a near victory snatched away or a horse like Naughty Rascal rising to take the win, moments like these encapsulate the heartbeat of racing. Each race tells its own story, filled with unpredictability, excitement, and plenty of drama.
As we look forward to what’s next at Tampa Bay Downs, one thing is clear: anything can happen on the racetrack, and that’s just the way we like it!
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Additional Resources
- BloodHorse: Naughty Rascal Wins Pasco After Owen Almighty DQ
- Paulick Report: My Horse Ran His Race: Naughty Rascal Elevated to Pasco Win via DQ
- FTBOA: Florida-Bred Naughty Rascal Placed First in Pasco Stakes
- Google Search: Pasco Stakes
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
