Go Warrior Go guts out victory in Maywood feature
August 26, 2006,by Mike Paradise, director of publicity, Maywood Park
MELROSE PARK, IL — The even-money favorite Go Warrior Go showed a ton of courage when he gutted out a 1:51.4 victory in Friday night’s $12,100 featured conditioned pace. The six-year-old Illinois bred raced first up the entire last half and still got his head in front of the pace-setting Indian Territory at the wire.
“He’s just a tough horse,” said winning driver Dave Magee. “If he’s anywhere close to the lead in the stretch he just digs in and gets it done.”
Maywood Park photo
Go Warrior Go’s victory was his seventh in 20 season starts for trainer Darcy Pletcher. The roan gelding has banked $112,288 on the current campaign for Par II of Howe, Indiana. It’s the third consecutive year the ICF pacer has earned over $100,000.
Magee ducked Go Warrior Go from the four post at the start of the ninth race as Indian Territory (Tim Tetrick), Jo Pa’s Bench Mark (Tim Wilson Jr.), and Constant Change (Dale Hiteman), the 1-2-3 horses respectively, all shot out in a hurry.
By the mid-way point of the first turn, Indian Territory had command, Jo Pa’s Bench settled into the pocket, and Constant Change dropped into the three-hole. Indian Territory took the eight-horse field to a quick :26.4 quarter. However, Tetrick was able to get away with a :29.3 second panel with his 3-1 second betting choice.
“I was hoping they would get down there (to the half) a little quicker,” said Magee. “Once Indian Territory was able to get away with that soft second quarter I knew he would difficult to beat. But my horse always tries hard and tonight he got it done the hard way.”
Go Warrior Go ($4.00) came after the leader coming out of the second turn but Indian Territory kept him parked out through a :27.4 third quarter. The two favorites battled side-by-side through the last turn with Indian Territory keeping his head in front. In the final yards Go Warrior Go wouldn’t be denied and wore the leader down.
Jo Pa’s Bench Mark, who had a two-hole journey throughout the mile, was third best, beaten three-quarters of a length.
Go Warrior Go’s win put the pacer’s career earnings over the $400,000 plateau at $405,457.