First Call steals Butch Gleason Classic; Lite Ranchin Kid best in Gold Rush
The Butch Gleason Classic and Gold Rush Futurity are the traditional closing day features. Despite being run on the second-to-last day of the meet, they still drew crowds.
First Call steals Butch Gleason Classic.
AZ-bred invader First Call has been quietly improving since his debut in August of 2021. His arrival to Colorado saw him string together back to back wins for the first time in allowances. The Butch Classic was his toughest test yet as he would have to face the small but might CO-bred Collusionist.
Collusionist was sent off as the heavy favorite, with First Call as the distant second choice in the 1 1/8 mile test. First Call broke on top and was sent to the lead by jockey Roberto Morales. At the top of the stretch, First Call was ready for a challenge after setting slow fractions, although it came from long shot Wager No Mo rather than Collusionist. Collusionist, who would have been the highest-earning CO-bred of all time had he won, was a nonfactor fourth. First Call held off Wager No Mo for a length and a quarter win with a final time of 1:54.84.
First Call is a five-year-old gelding bred in Arizona by Triple AAA Ranch. First Call is trained by Daniel Kenney and races for his breeder. First Call is sired by Uh Oh Bango and out of Mystery Me (Bwana Charlie). First Call is a full brother to stakes winner Call Waiting.
Lite Ranchin Kid best in Gold Rush.
CA-bred gelding Lite Ranchin Kid was a slight upset winner of the Gold Rush Futurity- the most prestigious race for thoroughbred two-year-olds in Colorado.
Lite Ranchin Kid went off as the third choice in a field of nine, with four maidens. Lite Ranchin Kid broke fastest and said come and catch me. The favored Ferrari Red, winner of the CTBA Laddie for CO-bred two-year-old colts, maintained second throughout and could not catch the winner. Lite Ranchin Kid won by 5 1/4 lengths with a final time of 1:13.35.
Lite Ranchin Kid was bred in California by owner Regan Wright. Roberto Morales was aboard for trainer Rafael Barraza. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid and out of Lorelei’s Song (Unbridled’s Song), making him a half sibling to good CO-based racehorse Gracie’s a Tiger (Smiling Tiger).
