On a hot and clear afternoon at Lone Star Park, Fine Finish lived up to her name with a stellar performance in Race 6 on May 26, 2024. This Maiden Special Weight race for two-year-old fillies was run over four and a half furlongs on a fast dirt track, with a purse of $33,000 up for grabs.
The race featured a competitive field of seven fillies. Fine Finish, a homebred sired by Summer Front out of Freudian Finish, by Haynesfield, was trained by Bret Calhoun and owned by Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch. With jockey Timothy Thornton aboard, she was set to face off against a promising group of maidens.
As the gates opened, Fine Finish had a challenging start from post position 6, finding herself in seventh place early on. Fast Medicine, ridden by Harry Hernandez, took the lead quickly from the inside, setting a brisk pace with the first-quarter mile timed at 23.20 seconds. My Boy Vander and Sirrah were close behind, ensuring the early fractions were fast and competitive.
Fine Finish, meanwhile, saved ground and positioned herself well for a late charge. Coming into the turn, she began to close the gap, navigating through traffic and moving five wide to find a clear path.
Entering the stretch, Fine Finish was fourth, but she unleashed a powerful finish. With a burst of speed and a well-timed move, she surged ahead, passing the tiring frontrunners. Her final time was 52.66 seconds, marking an impressive win.
Fine Finish’s win was not just about crossing the finish line first; it was a showcase of tactical racing and sheer determination. The decision to keep her relaxed at the start paid off brilliantly. Her ability to conserve energy and avoid early traffic set the stage for her explosive finish.
Jockey Timothy Thornton deserves significant credit for his handling of Fine Finish. His patience and timing were impeccable. Rather than pushing her too early, Thornton allowed Fine Finish to settle and find her rhythm. His decision to swing wide entering the stretch was a masterstroke, providing her the clear path she needed to unleash her full potential.
Behind Fine Finish’s success is the thoughtful planning of her breeding. Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers designed the mating that produced Fine Finish. This calculated pairing of Summer Front and Freudian Finish aimed to combine speed, stamina and racing aptitude, which clearly paid off in this impressive win.
Fine Finish being a homebred adds a special layer to her win. Owned and bred by Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch, her win is a testament to their dedication and vision. Seeing a homebred horse succeed validates the long-term commitment and strategic planning involved in breeding racehorses.
Winning a race in her first career start is a significant achievement for Fine Finish. It demonstrates her natural ability and readiness to compete at a high level right from the beginning. Such a victory boosts the confidence of her connections and sets a solid foundation for her future racing career. Early success often indicates a horse’s potential to perform well in subsequent races, potentially paving the way for a prosperous career.
This race could be the beginning of a good career for Fine Finish. Her performance suggests she has both the speed and stamina to compete at higher levels. As she gains more experience and matures, Fine Finish might become a regular in stakes races, potentially even on the national stage. Her owners, Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch, along with trainer Bret Calhoun, will undoubtedly be plotting her next moves carefully to maximize her potential.
Fine Finish’s win was a testament to her ability to remain composed and execute a strategic race. Saving ground early and making a decisive move late, she demonstrated both speed and endurance. This victory not only showcased her talent but also highlighted the skillful training and race-day strategy implemented by her team.
Fine Finish’s performance at Lone Star Park marks her as a filly to watch. As she continues to develop and gain experience, her future races promise to be just as exciting. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising young racehorse.
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