OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—JUNE 1, 2013—In his fifth consecutive win in as many Remington Park starts this season, Brace For Bernal frolicked with a romp in the Grade 2, $285,780 Heritage Place Derby.
Winning jockey Paul Nieto simply sat still and let his mount do all the work. “The horse is breaking more sharply than he used to, and that’s good for him because he’s a closer. He’s got a big heart”.
Winning trainer, Luis Villafranco continues to add to his Remington Park record for most wins in the Quarter Horse season as Brace For Bernal gave him a remarkable ninth stakes triumph in 2013. Owned by Noel Prieto, Brace For Bernal is a 3-year-old colt by Furyofthewind from the Shazoom mare Zoom Bracer.
Brace For Bernal was a convincing favorite, winning by 1-½ lengths, covering the 400 yards in :19.275. He paid $3.60 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Entering the race, Dashin Brown Streak had a perfect 4 for 4 lifetime record at Remington Park, but he settled for second and paid $5.00 to place and $3.40 to show. Big Boi, the Oklahoma Derby winner in March, ran third and paid $2.80 to show.
Brace For Bernal has now won six consecutive races dating to November 2012. He now has eight wins from 14 career starts and earned another $48,583 for the Heritage Place Derby to run his overall mark to $247,277. Bred in Oklahoma by Joaquin Lopez, Brace For Bernal gave his connections their first Heritage Place Derby triumph with the exception of Villafranco who has now won the race twice.
Wade Navarre and Melvin Hatley own runner-up Dashin Brown Streak, a Hotdoggin gelding out of Annas Streakin Dash, by Streakin La Jolla. John Brasseaux saddled with G.R. Carter, Jr., riding. Bred in Louisiana by Flat Get It Farms, Dashin Brown Streak earned $48,582 for his effort.
Irene Velasquez’s homebred Big Boi boosted his career total to $386,442 with the $34,293 show check. Verle Bohner conditions the Oak Tree Special gelding out Bosanova Baby, by Corona Cartel. David Brown had the riding assignment.
Completing the field were Hiclass Vodka, Send A Candy Guy, Teller Ima Rockstar, A Will And Away, Flory Rider, Buster 123 and Bb Milliondollarbaby.
Courtesy of Stallionesearch.com