Sweet performance by Can D Girl in Governor’s Stake Trials at Horseshoe Indianapolis

When the field steps onto the track for the final of the Governor's Stake on Oct. 26 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, it will be part of history.

The race will boast the largest purse in state history with the 28^th running of the $269,900 Governor’s Stake, also the oldest pari-mutuel Quarter Horse stakes in the state. The race was the very first contested in 1997 during the inaugural season of Quarter Horse racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with a purse of $10,000.

Three trials produced the top 10 finalists led by Can D Girl and Giovani Vazquez Gomez. The grey filly was on the far outside and traveled there the entire way. She was joined midway through the 350-yard dash by Jefris Gold Wagon and Cristian Esqueda but was strong through the wire for the win in 17.659 seconds, the top time of the trials. Chiln and Rolando Pina finished third to the inside of the track.

Can D Girl (photo) paid $6.80 for the win. The Uncle D daughter was bred in Oklahoma by Cavenaugh Quarter Horses. She was an $11,000 purchase from the Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale and is now owned by Angel Ventura. Jessica Vazquez trains the freshman who earned her second career win in the Governors Stake Trial.

The second fastest trial was recorded by Country Clubbin and Erik Esqueda. Trained by Ricardo Martinez, Country Clubbin was in contention early but Beachin Famous and Rolando Pina led the way through the initial stages of the 350-yard dash. Midway through the race, Country Clubbin hit another gear and took off, leaving the field behind him for the win by one and one-quarter lengths. Beachin Famous finished second over Gringoo and Martin Munoz, a stablemate to Country Clubbin. Time of the sprint was 17.794.

Country Clubbin (photo) paid $15.80. The son of Lota PYC is a homebred owned by Whiting Ranch of Texas. It was his second straight win in his second start at Horseshoe Indianapolis. With only three career starts, the gelding hopes to join his Graded stakes placed winning mother, Crazy About Corona, who won seven races during her career.

The final trial was won by Cowboy on the Fly, ridden by L.D. “Daniel” Martinez. The duo broke in the pack and held positioning before gaining a short lead. Pressure was coming in quickly near the wire from Whata Lota Boy and Martin Munoz on the outside and Caughtmeatagoodtime and Fernando Morin from the center of the track, but Cowboy on the Fly held his ground for the win in 17.973. Whata Lota Boy was a nose back in second followed by Caughtmeatagoodtime, who was another neck back in third.

Cowboy on the Fly paid $18.80 for the win. The son of Flying Cowboy is owned by Sandy Diffin Walsh and trained by Tony Cunningham, the track’s defending leading trainer champion.

The field headed to the final of the Governor’s Stake, in order with time and jockey includes: Can D Girl (17.659, Giovani Vazquez-Gomez); Jefris Gold Wagon (17.726, Cristian Esqueda); Country Clubbin (17.794, Erik Esqueda); Cowboy on the Fly (17.973, L.D. Martinez); Whata Lota Boy (17.983, Martin Munoz); Beachin Famous (18.02, Rolando Pina); Caughtmeatagoodtime (18.03, Fernando Morin); Chilin (18.097, Rolando Pina); RR Lotta Runforrobyn (18.106, L.D. Martinez); and Gringoo (18.12, Martin Munoz).

Trainer Ricardo Martinez saddles four for the final (Country Clubbin, Whata Lota Boy, Caughtmeatagoodtime, Gringoo). Tony Cunningham saddles two (Cowboy on the Fly, RR Lotta Runforrobyn) while Tim Eggleston saddles two (Beachin Famous, Chilin).

The Governor’s Stake will also offer a $30,000 consolation for the second flight of horses from the trials. Those advancing to the Governor’s Stake Consolation, set for Indiana Champions Day, includes RK Streakin Cartel, RR Crown This Jess, Delightful D, Sweet Vengeance, Sweeet D, JY Bravo, JD Valiant Luna, Farr Lyla, Majestic Eye Opener, LB Tiny Tolltac.

The fifth annual Indiana Champions Day will showcase the state’s top Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Racing begins at noon with Thoroughbreds followed by six stakes for Quarter Horses.

Purses for the day will exceed $1.1 million.

The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Nov. 14. Racing is held at 2:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.