by Dan Conway, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondant
The $92,351 Michigan Pari-Mutuel Stake for four-year-old horses and geldings at Northville Downs on Friday evening had all the elements of a great, if confusing, race. The favorite breaking at the gate, a mid-level longshot cutting the early fractions, the second favorite suffering a tough long trip but being almost there at the wire, a few more breaks, and then a real longshot ($46.20) holding off probably the best horse on the program to capture the prize. It all began with BT’s Gladiator, driven by Terry Tomlin, going to the front of the 10 horse field and passing the quarter in :29.2. He had finished third in an uninspired effort in his elimination and was of little interest to the bettors in the final. Chuck Taylor driving Bones Of Steel was away second with No Mirage and Keith Crawford third. The favorite, Rainbow Review, handled by Larry Stalbaum, broke at the gate and was never in contention. When BT’s Gladiator passed the quarter, Mark Webster had King Rova trotting fifth on the outside followed by the bettors’ second choice, Alterity, a very impressive winner in his elimination. BT’s Gladiator took the field to the half in 1:00.1 and at that point Bones Of Steel went off stride. Unfazed, Crawford brought No Mirage out in front of King Rova and was trotting third, about a length behind the leader. IM Power Ranger, driven by Peter Wrenn, and Benn’s Prime Time, handled by Vince Copeland, were also on extended breaks. As BT’s Gladiator rounded the third turn, No Mirage tucked in second with King Rova still trotting along strong in third. At the 1:30 three-quarter pole, BT’s Gladiator was a solid two lengths ahead of the field and looking for the upset. Rounding the final turn, BT’s Gladiator’s lead began to shrink as King Rova continued to trot on strong with Alterity in a solid position, second over. Down the lane, King Rova, by Veeba Rova, out of Shiaway Colleen, came on the best and at the wire he was a shortening neck ahead of Alterity. Tyke Kandu and Bradley Kramer finished third. The time of the mile was 2:00.4. King Rova is owned by William Roberts and was bred by Jerry and Sherry Chapman. Now the lifetime winner of $97,297, he is trained by Allen Sisco and is four for 20 this season.