Stryker Phd Turns Back Tribal Classic Rivals
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Stryker Phd was handed a tough assignment Sept. 13 in the $60,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic at Emerald Downs. But once again, Jim and Mona Hour's champion would not be denied.
Tested the length of the stretch by Noosito, Stryker Phd showed his mettle with a hard-fought three-quarter length victory in 1:40.75 for 1 1/16 miles. Ridden by Leslie Mawing under 124 pounds—six more than his four rivals—Stryker Phd paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10.
Noosito, ridden by Juan Gutierrez, took a brief lead while three-deep into the stretch, but was immediately tackled by Stryker Phd and the two Washington-breds locked horns to the wire, with Stryker Phd a tad better. Noosito paid $2.40 and $2.10.
With the victory, Stryker Phd tied the track record of eight straight stakes wins set by Stopshoppingdebbie. He began his streak for trainer Larry Ross two years ago with a victory in the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic, and it includes the last two editions of the Longacres Mile (gr. III).
A 6-year-old gelding by Bertrando, Stryker Phd has a 9-5-5 from 22 career starts, and earned $30,000 to leapfrog Captain Condo into eighth all-time among Washington-breds with $515,651.
"He's a very special horse, no doubt about it," a tearful Sharon Ross said in the winner's circle. "Today's race) was totally not his style, but he did it."
Noosito stalked the pace as Until You and Westley led through fractions of :23.76, :46.68 and 1:09.88. Gutierrez pushed the button on the last turn, and Noosito rallied to a slight lead at the quarter-pole. But Stryker Phd, a bit closer than usual, unleashed a four-wide bid under Mawing and collared Noosito at the eighth-pole. It was a match race from there, and Stryker Phd proved best.
"I'm so familiar with Stryker Phd's running style, and I know he's got a kick, especially around the turn, so I wasn't too concerned," Mawing said. "I knew Noosito was going to give me a hard time, but once I get the lead, Stryker PhD's heart just gets bigger and bigger."