With all the excitement of the Breeder’s Cup races escalating through the large crowd at Gulf Greyhound Park on Saturday Matinee, November 7, it was the finals of the Texas Fall Sprint Classic that would captivate the race goers in GGP’s thirteenth Greyhound race.
The field was comprised of some unbelievable young talent, all bred, born, and raised in the Lone Star State, and seemed poised to race on this day for the states second richest greyhound stakes race. It seemed as though the race was set up for a long shot winner; however, crowd and race favorite, Atascocita Lars, coming off two dismal qualifying races, would have something to say about the so-called long shots.
As the box opened, D.Q. William’s I Don’t Remember jumped to the early lead and rushed to the first turn in front by about one-length. The only problem that I don’t Remember was having came in the form of the aforementioned Atascocita Lars, he was the competitor just one-length back and in hot pursuit. As the pack made their way to the tote board, Atascocita Lars found his way to the front of the bunch; and of course, from this vantage point he is easy money.
Lars, the two-year old out of Lonesome Cry and Atascocita Annie pressed to a two-length lead by the stretch and extended the victory to three-lengths at the finish line, running a blazing time of 29.83 over the 550-yard course and taking home the Texas Fall Spring Classic title, trophy, and bounty.
Running for the Libby Racing Kenne and trained by Dorothy Falco, Atascocita Lars, used all of his skills to remain on top of the world at Gulf Greyhound Park. `He (Atascocita Lars) has been almost unbeatable since coming to the track,` stated Ron Godfroy, Racing Director. `It’s incredible how Lars has dominated the top grade…in a season of fast young pups, track records, and experienced veteran racers, he has completely dominated and deserves the title.`
The remainder of the 2009 Texas Fall Sprint Classic field finished as follows: (2nd) Rough Hustle, 30.30; (3rd) I Don’t Remember, 30.11; (4th) Gable Diego, 30.41; (5th) Slick Posey, 30.42; (6th) DLT Fire Water, 30.45; (7th) Bee’s A Winner, 30.46; (Scratched) C Ya Tom Collins.
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