John Banrock - Race 8 (The Shaddup U Face Stakes)

Race 8: The Shaddup U Face Stakes

The time of day arrived when all the stars aligned. Where what I saw in flesh reinforced my mind. A price of 8-1 was an overlay for sure. I loved the way she looked, loved her stat lines even more. Her number was the six, her name was ZK Star. With three wins at the distance we knew she’d go that far. Drew could see the light so he bet it just like me. All of it to win and a double to the three.

It came the time of day for the big race. The stakes event called the Shaddup U Face. Nine fillies going a mile on the grass. Some were there with speed, some were there with class.

Race call:
"As they cruise down the backside Extra Celestial still commands a two-length lead. Butterflyer is on the rail in second with SunnyNMe just to her outside. From inside out the trio of ZK Star, Bullet Train and Autumn Blues sit just behind them. It’s two more lengths back to RaspberryHooray, and another three lengths to HelloNGoodbye. The favorite Desirée trails the field and has her work cut out for her. The pace has been quick up front though so we’ll see if her usual late kick can get her to the wire first.

As they enter the far turn Extra Celestial still holds the lead but the margin is just a length now as SunnyNMe starts to ratchet up the pressure on the outside. Butterflyer is in third with ZK Star a clear fourth. Bullet Train and Autumn Blues remain in neutral. RaspberryHooray is starting to gain momentum and Desirée has just passed her first foe, HelloNGoodbye.

As they near the top of the stretch SunnyNMe has taken over the lead. She’s clear by two but ZK Star is gaining ground along the rail. RaspberryHooray is on the far outside passing tiring horses and Desirée is finally starting to hit her stride. She still has eight lengths to make up.

As they barrel down the stretch ZK Star has emerged as the new leader but both RaspberryHooray and Desirée are gobbling up ground quickly. ZK Star is looking for the wire. As they pass the quarter pole she’s still clear by three but that lead is dwindling fast. Can she hold them off? RaspberryHooray is charging fast with Desirée a length behind her in the center of the track. SunnyNMe is now a clear fourth.

ZK Star is running the race of her life but here comes RaspberryHooray who’s only a neck in front of Desirée. It’s going to be close! ZK Star on the inside. RaspberryHooray between horses and Desirée on the outside. ZK Star is screaming for the wire! All three are neck and neck! It’s a thriller in the Shaddup U Face Stakes! Here comes the wire! And it’s going to be… Desirée got her neck down just in time! RaspberryHooray was about a head in front of ZK Star who ran a determined race at 8-1. SunnyNMe finished fourth, followed by Butterflyer, Extra Celestial, HelloNGoodbye, Bullet Train and Autumn Blues.

Congratulations to our winner, Desirée. Please hold all tickets until the race is made official."

So that’s the way it goes, I had to tell the boy
It’s the nature of the game, there’s some sadness in the joy
People often wonder what the races really are
I say it’s not the gambling although it sounds bizarre
It’s the beauty of the horses and the jockeys riding hardlyrics here

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