May 3rd, 2009 would see an upset in the Fury Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack. Three-year-old filly Wood Smoke, trained by Mike Keogh, would have her way from the get-go as she would wire the field of eight sophomores to pick up the victory in the $150,000 event.
Indeed, it was a smoke show for jockey Tyler Pizarro and Wood Smoke, daughter of Langfuhr, winning the seven furlong event with ease. It was a very tough field for this 13-1 shot's second lifetime start, but, she would have her way as she would come out of the shoot with a length and a half lead on favorite Not Just a Rumor. It was apparent that young jock Tyler Pizarro had to fight with the sharp filly as they came down the backstretch full of run. Wood Smoke did not look back after settling down a bit at the quarter pole in a brisk time of :22.79 and she would not slow down an iota, coming around the turn, holding off a pair of classy individuals in High Mist and Mullins beach. Pizarro would be "riding the hair off of Wood Smoke" as track announcer Dan Loiselle put it, calling the stretch run. Wood Smoke would go on to win her second in a row, going two for two lifetime, in a time of 1:22:67.
An elated Pizarro would reflect of the trip, "In the post parade she was really, really ancy and really wanted to go and I knew she was going to be tough. As soon as we broke from the gate, she wanted no part of relaxing and being in behind other horses, she just wanted to go. So, I just tried not to fight her too much and tried to get along with her and it worked out well." When asked if he was expectant of being on the lead Pizarro exclaimed, "No, not at all, our game plan was to just do the same as she did in her first race, but, usually when they run first time out and win, the next time they come out, they know what's going on and come out stronger. She(Wood Smoke) actually knew what was going on and she just dominated." In a word to describe the young filly Tyler would say with a chuckle, "Machine!"
For final results to the 54th edition of the Fury Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO050309CAN8.pdf
Wow, did this filly amaze me. I honestly thought she would come from off the pace, but, who the heck am I to say, right?
ReplyDeleteYes she did show them her heels. Nice price too.
ReplyDeleteThe official chart said "Woodsmoke pulled to the lead crossing the gap and FINALLY settled early turn ... "
They will need to control her speed in order for her to stretch out in distance. Keogh has some work left to do before the Oaks.
She's a terrific prospect though.