Roses Are Red: Lyons Sentinel in full bloom
September 4, 2021,Milton, ON — Lyons Sentinel made it four straight scores after taking all the spoils in the C$316,000 Roses Are Red final on Saturday evening (Sept. 4) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The 4-year-old Captaintreacherous mare, bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc., and owned by Threelyonsracing, was once again at the top of her game.
Lyons Sentinel coasted home a comfortable 1-1/2 length winner in a time of 1:49.1. New Image Media photo.
Lyons Sentinel was placed mid-pack early on by Tim Tetrick, as Scott Zeron piloted Rocknificent to the front, taking the 12-horse field through opening fractions of :26.2 and :55.4.
Tetrick kept a patient hand after plenty of movement along the backstretch, guiding the 3-5 choice to the outside flow and taking aim at the pacesetting Rocknificent.
Lyons Sentinel was in full flight as the field straightened for home and began to pick off her rivals with ease, coasting home a comfortable 1-1/2 length winner in a time of 1:49.1.
Tetrick, who claimed his sixth Roses Are Red Crown, heaped praise upon the Jim King Jr. trainee.
“She’s only four and competing at a very high level and she’s a different kind of horse than those two (champions Androvette and Shartin N). But I’ll tell you what, she’s finding a better spot in my heart every day.
“I was a little worried at the half, :55 and a piece to the half. It was pretty slow for these, but luckily my mare was really good today and we got the job done.”
With a bankroll now of $1.7 million, Lyons Sentinel notched her sixth win of the campaign from 12 starts and 18th lifetime triumph from 40 races.
The bay arrived at the Roses Are Red off three consecutive victories, including a win in the $100,000 Clara Barton at Plainridge Park on July 25.
Lyons Sentinel is certainly no stranger to Woodbine Mohawk, having now won four of her five appearances at the Milton oval. She last raced at Mohawk in 2019, finishing second in the Breeders Crown final.
Jim King Jr. was thrilled to be back at a racetrack he’s had plenty of success at.
“This is my third time for this race. It is so big to come here. The first time we came here and won a really big race, it was the (Pepsi) North America Cup (in 2015) with Wakizashi Hanover. I came with the best horse and the best guy (Tetrick).
“Any time you get to win a prestigious race, especially on a big stage like here, you’re racing against the best horses and the best guys in the country, and best trainers, so I always say that if you can hit the board you’re doing good, and to win it is just amazing.”
Lyons Sentinel paid $3.40 to win.