Saturday, November 12, 2011

Betterthancheddar Romps in Final ‘National’ at Balmoral

CRETE, IL— Betterthancheddar dominated the sophomore pacers in the $225,000 American National at Balmoral Park on Saturday, November 12. Hugadragon finished second, Mystic Desire was third and Something For Doc finished fourth.

Hugadragon, Betterthancheddar and Big Bad John all left the gate with speed heading into the first turn. Mystic Desire came from the outside and settled in fourth. Hugadragon cleared the lead around the turn, with Betterthancheddar in second and Big Bad John was in third. Hugadragon took them by the quarter in :27.1.

Betterthancheddar came first over and cleared the lead at the three-eighths. Hugadragon was in second and Big Bad John came first over in third. Mystic Desire followed that cover in fourth. Betterthancheddar took them by the half in :54 (:26.4).

Betterthancheddar had the lead into the far turn. Big Bad John came right up to his wheel and Hugadragon was in third. Mystic Desire was second over in fourth and Something For Doc was regaining ground in fifth. Betterthancheddar lead the way at three-quarters in 1:21.3 (:27.3).

Betterthancheddar had the lead in the stretch. Hugadragon came up the inside and stayed right behind Betterthancheddar. Big Bad John was starting to fade and Mystic Desire was starting to close. Something For Doc came up the inside in fifth. Betterthancheddar had the lead coming to the wire and he won for fun. Hugadragon gave all he had, finishing second, Mystic Desire was third and Something For Doc was fourth.

Betterthancheddar is a three-year-old colt by Bettor’s Delight out of the mare Lady Ashlee Ann by Camastic. He has earned $586,283 lifetime. He is owned by Steve Calhoun and the West Wins Stable, trained by Casie Coleman and George Brennan was in the sulky to a 1:50.3 victory.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to race him coming into the race. Then I thought I’ll try him on the front end. I wasn’t going to be first over, I was either going to be on top or in the two hole. I scored him down in the wind and it didn’t bother him. Casie did a great job getting him ready for the “National”,” driver George Brennan said.

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