Gianna's Dream wins by daylight in Ricks Memorial

Gianna's Dream lived up to her name in the $75,000 Ricks Memorial Stakes, winning by daylight as the 1-2 odds-on favorite for owner Jordan Wycoff of Fort Washington, Pa.

 

The 4-year-old filly by Twirling Candy from the Rahy mare Untamed Beauty, Gianna’s Dream put jockey Robby Albarado and trainer Michael Maker in the winner's circle against a full-field of 12 in the 1-1/16th miles race on the Remington Park turf. She stopped the clock in 1:41.52 over the firm going after easily moving to the lead off the final turn and putting her rivals at bay. Strive ran second, 1-1/4 lengths behind Gianna’s Dream while Joyous Thunder was third.

 

Gianna’s Dream has always been one of the most competitive horses once she sets foot on the track, winning 8-of-16 starts and running in the money in 13 of those tries. She pocketed $49,143 for the win and pushed her total bankroll past the $323,791. Gianna’s Dream is also now five of seven in races over the lawn and she is perfect in three attempts on the grass at Remington Park.

 

Gianna's Dream paid $3 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Strive returned $4.20 to place and $3.40 to show. Joyous Thunder paid $8.20 to show.

 

Gianna’s Dream was bred in Oklahoma by Center Hills Farm & Randy Blair. In 2016, she won the Bob Barry Memorial on the Oklahoma Derby Day undercard. She then went on to score in the Oklahoma Classics Filly & Mare Turf for state-breds. It remains to be seen she will follow that schedule again this year.