Outburst Hangs On to Take Florida Oaks
Image:
Description:
Photo: SV Photography
Outburst (inside) holds off Walk In Marrakesh to win the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs
Marc Detampel, TSF Thoroughbred Racing, and Rebecca Hillen's Outburst held off a frantic rally by Walk In Marrakesh to post a head victory in the $150,000 Florida Oaks (G3T) March 7 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Outburst was ridden by Javier Castellano, who probably won the race when he managed to slow her down on the lead through a second quarter-mile in :25.62 after a :22.91 opening split. She maintained her lead throughout and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.03 on a firm turf course.
Behind Walk In Marrakesh, Secret Stash finished third and How Ironic was fourth in the 12-horse field.
The Florida Oaks improved Outburst's record to three wins and a second from four starts. The Outstrip filly won a Feb. 7 allowance optional claiming event at Tampa in her U.S. debut for trainer Eddie Kenneally, which followed a maiden win in France after a runner-up effort there at first asking.
"I saw the replay from the last time the horse ran here and she was very impressive," Castellano said. "I liked the way she finished that day. She is so quick out of the gate, you could see she (almost) beat the gate today and I ended up on the lead. I tried to ride the European style and come from behind and stalk behind the speed, but she never gave me the opportunity to do that.
"But what I really liked was the second quarter-mile, the way she slowed down and relaxed. I loved the way she did it and I liked the way she finished—very impressive—and I think there is a lot to look forward to."
Terry Frey of TSF Thoroughbred Racing was ecstatic, and then some, after the race.
"Coming in, I was just hoping she had a chance," Frey said. "It's just fantastic that she won. There were some great horses in there and for her to come in and run a race like this is just so exciting. I'll tell you what, my heart is still beating like crazy. (Walk In Marrakesh) was running like crazy and I thought maybe (Outburst) had had enough and then it was like, I think she made it—andand she did. I was very happy."
Outburst was bred in Great Britain by Rainer Stockli and Manfred Wurtenberger out of Daidoo, by Shamardal.