Weekend Wrap-Up by Mike Ahrens: August 21 - 23, 2020
The story for the first four races, the All American Oaks Trials, wasRatification who won by five lengths in a time of 21.269 with the next-fastest time in the Oaks Trials coming from Kieva in 21.533. Coming off a head victory in the Rainbow Oaks and now having four straight victories, Ratification left no doubt as to who the favorite will be for the AA Oaks in two weeks' time. All trainer John Buchanan could say about the filly was "She just likes to run." She was good as a two-year-old, having qualified for the Rainbow Futurity, but has
shown another dimension this summer.
The first trial for the All American Derby was also the quickest of the day when third-place finisher from the Rainbow Derby, Gold Heart Eagle V, demolished a field to win by four lengths in 21.108. "He put it all together today," said trainer Monty Arrossa. "I liked him all year. I thought he was getting better and better all year. I never expected this kind of performance but I was pretty impressed with him in the finals at the Rainbow. He's a real sound horse, he's got a super-good mind and he's just been a blessing." Arrossa also qualified with Inaugurator from the ninth race who ran second to Hotsempting, who posted the second-fastest time of the day in 21.341, but closed the gap on that speedy filly late.
Gold Heart Eagle V was beaten by Cers Final Try in the Rainbow Derby. The latter won his trial today two races later in 21.434 despite bobbling and getting bumped at the break and grabbing a quarter in the process. But as we have seen from this gelding all year, and despite the minor cut on his right front quarter, he was running best at the end to edge clear by three-quarters of a length. "I got a little nervous because he stumbled and he grabbed a quarter. It cost him a little bit," said trainer Tony Sedillo. "But man he sure accelerated. I mean, he was flying." As for judging the injury right after the winner's circle photo Sedillo said, "It doesn't look real bad. Just pulled a little hide off."
As often happens in a day full of trials, the whole picture can change in the last race. For the Derby, three qualifiers came out of the finale when Jess Sumokin Hot rolled to the third-fastest time of the day in 21.367. Behind him was a photo between Elm Creek Khrome and Hes Back with the former getting the place and the latter show. Both ran quick enough to qualify, leaving a tie for the tenth-fastest time of the day between Kleptomaniac and Perrys Double Down. The custom has been a shake the following morning in the racing office to determine who gets into the finals in the event of a tie for the final spot.