by Matt Sparacino
Harrington, DE — Driver Yannick Gingras, owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables and trainer Ron Burke teamed up to win both $30,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial eliminations Monday at Harrington Raceway with horses Foiled Again ($2.10, 1:51.2) and Atochia ($5.60, 1:51.1).
Foiled Again, the 2010 defending Quillen champ, set all the fractions in his dominant win, including a 26.4 last quarter under wraps to win by two lengths over entry mate Clear Vision and Mainland Key N. Go Go Solano finished fourth and also earned a berth along with the top three finishers for the $335,000 final.
For Foiled Again, it was his 10th of the year as his seasonal earnings approach $900,000 and lifetime bankroll soared to nearly $3 million.
“He may be the best horse I’ve ever driven,” said Gingras who piloted Foiled Again to his track record setting 1:50.1 win in the Quillen last year. “When he was here last year and set the track record, Ronnie and I talked after the race and we both agreed he was no good. I know it’s crazy to say that, but this horse has amazing speed. We were wrapped up tonight and had plenty left.”
Fotowon photo
Atochia took the second division of the Quillen in 1:51.1 for driver Yannick Gingras.
The second division belonged to Atochia, who was a pocket-sitter behind pacesetting Pangiorno throughout the mile before surging down the passing lane for a one length win. Pangiorno held second, while Giddy Up Lucky finished third and Hypnotic Blue Chip was fourth to secure his spot in the final.
Atochia has now banked earned more than $300,000 in 2011 and close to $1.2 million lifetime.
“He’s sharp right now,” said Gingras, who’s mount Atochia was third in the C$848,640 Canadian Pacing Derby his last start at Mohawk Racetrack (Canada). “He’s raced good at Yonkers before so we weren’t too concerned about the half-mile track. The trip worked out since he’s a bit of a lazy horse and we were able to sit close.”
The top four finishers from both divisions will return to compete in the Monday September 19 final.