Inlovewiththesport Wins All West Derby Meanwhile, Washington Trifecta Swells To $160,000
Inlovewiththesport came and got the money Sunday at Playfair Race Course, but fans around the state, pursuing one of the largest jackpots in Washington horse racing history, failed once again to corral the twin trifecta.
Inlovewiththesport, the dominant 3-year-old in Montana, cruised to a decisive 6-1/2-length victory in the 12th running of the $21,680 All West Derby. Frustrated horseplayers were left waiting for today when Playfair’s twin trifecta will offer a record carryover of $131,118.12. With today’s wagers, the pool is likely to approach $160,000.
Ridden by Marty Wentz, Inlovewiththesport loped to the lead after the first half mile and went on to complete 1-1/8 miles in 1:55-2/5 over the newly resurfaced track. Stablemates Sassy Wake and Pasky’s Randy, both owned by John Koch of Spokane, finished well to place second and third.
Inlovewiththesport accounted for his sixth consecutive victory, four of them stakes. Heavily favored, he paid $3.40 to win. The full brother to the stakes-winning mare On Board earned $11,924.
Ironically, the victory was the first of the meet from 28 starts for Larry Semenza’s Murray Creek Stable of Great Falls, Mont. Semenza was last season’s champion owner. Thanks to Inlovewiththesport and a handful of stakes placings, he remains in the chase after this year’s title.
Close Coverage, a 16-1 long-shot, threw Sunday’s twin trifecta into a cocked hat by winning the seventh race, the first half of the two-race proposition. Although he had won his previous start, the 4-year-old gelding paid $35.40 and combined with Shirl’s Squirrel and Banana Montana, both expected contenders, for a $1,123.20 first-half payoff.
With only 28 exchange tickets outstanding, favored Just Macho led outsiders Talents Last and Tension Mounts across the wire in the eighth race. Rusty Shaw rode both winners.
Post time today will be 3 p.m. The twin trifecta will combine the seventh and eighth races on a 10-race card.
, DataTimes