Barkley Sound kept his perfect Tampa Bay Downs record in tact by winning the 8th renewal of the $75,000 Pasco Stakes. The three-year-old ran in the time of 1:24.1 for the seven furlong distance on Saturday's card besting nine other rivals.
“I am never confident coming into a race like this,” said winning trainer Joan Scott. “This horse has so much heart and ability nothing surprises me about his performances however I was concerned about Bill Mott’s horse and Steelix coming into the race.”
Barkley Sound entered into Stakes Company for the first time in the Pasco with a maiden special weight victory and a one other than allowance win over the surface at the stakes distance and broke from the starting gate as the second choice of the wagering public.
“Prior to coming to Tampa he had been slow maturing but when he ran on the polytrack at Keeneland we new we had something and we started looking more forwardly as to his placement,” continued Scott.
Barkley Sound was ridden by Enrique M. Jurado and is owned by the Pinebloom Stable.
Steelix finished second before the crowd of 4,278 after having a slow start then lead the field to mid-stretch before being overtaken by the winner in the drive to the wire. Dippi Trippi completed the trifecta that returned $144.80 for the $2 wager. Post time favorite Got The Last Laugh failed to respond in the stretch and retreated to finish 5th.
“We will take a few days before deciding when to run next,” said Scott after the race. “I will talk our options over with the owners and let them decide.”
The win in the $75,000 Pasco Stakes drove Barkley Sound’s earnings to over $72,000 with three trips to the winners circle from five starts.
Finish Lines…
Next Saturday the older fillies and mares take center stage with the $60,000 Manatee Stakes at the seven furlong distance and Roll Back the Prices return featuring $1.00 hot dogs, beer and soda between the hours of 12 noon and 3:00 pm at Concession Stands only.
Live racing and poker continues tomorrow with a first race post time of 12:25pm.