California Chrome’s little sister doesn’t disappoint
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Photo:
Don August
It was an exciting debut for Hope’s Love and if her first race is a preview as to what’s in store for this young filly, then we’re all in for an exciting racing season. Her performance at Golden Gate Fields shouts of a promising future, and we’re more than happy to tag along for the ride.
Hope’s Love, the young filly from humble beginnings, was placed in post two where she was sandwiched between a Princess and a Diva in a four and a half furlong race. There she waited for the opening of the gate, sporting the bright purple and green DAP threads we so often associate with her big brother. After a fidgety moment, she settled into the confined space once again, and broke to an awkward start.
For a brief moment it appeared she may be going for the lead, then just as quickly, she settled into the back of the pack. Meanwhile, Ourprincessmelanie (post one) wasted no time horsing around and quickly claimed the lead, opening up to an impressive margin. Tiza Diva (post three) in all her silver splendor, coasted into second place.
With eyes glued to each of Hope’s strides, I held my breath. One could not help but wonder whether she could make up the lost ground. It sure didn’t look like an easy task. The Princess had left everyone in her quake. Then, just when you thought all hope may be lost, Hope’s Love, step by step, horse by horse, starts to move ahead. About midway through the race she had found her way to the middle of the pack. Hope had been rekindled, but the race was far from over, and there was still a lot of ground to cover.
At the homestretch the Princess continued to hold on to a four to five length lead. Hope’s Love, from her position on the inside, appears to eye the outside of the track. It was a confusing, head-bopping moment as she appears to be trying to decide which way to go. Then, possibly with the jockey’s beckoning, opts for the rail. Gonzalez now gives her the green light to kick it into high gear, and in high gear she goes. With lightning speed she bolts pass Tiza Diva, who, thus far, had held onto second place. Hope’s Love now starts to burn away the distance between her and Ourprincessmelanie, closing in fast, although, with the late dash for the finish line, she misses the win by a neck.
Even without a win, there was little to be disappointed about and much to look forward to. And, just like we’ve come to expect of her brother, she gave us an exciting race with great effort.
She’s new to the game and still green, but with her first race out of the way Hope’s Love is on her way to stepping out of her brother’s shadow and making a name for herself. It may just be this pretty filly that continues to redeem her family’s pedigree. Time will tell if it will be said of her, “Where there’s Hope, there’s little room for doubt.”
~Written by Joanne Prieto
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