stakes recap

By Kimberly Rinker

Always B Naughty rocketed to victory in the $548,000 (CAD) ($400,000) Breeders Crown Open Mare Pace, stopping the timer in a new stakes record of 1:48.1 for driver Austin Hanners.

Trained by Todd Luther for owners Greg Luther Racing of Blacklick, Ohio, the 5-year-old daughter by Always B Miki was sent off at 8-5 odds. Kobes Gigi, at 4-1, got up for second for driver Yannick Gingras, while 36-1 Tells On A Roll and Travis Cullen notched third, just a whisker in front of 4-5 Sylvia Hanover and driver Tim Tetrick.

“When Twin B Joe Fresh was scratched I told Austin (driver Hanners) that I thought we had a big shot and to not get away last with her,” said winning trainer Todd Luther. “She’s been in some bad spots this year, but we’ve always tried to take care of her. This is amazing; you dream of winning a Breeders Crown but it’s great to have that dream come true.”

Always B Naughty left the gate well, taking command immediately, and was never headed through quarter time fractions of :26.2; :54.3, and 1:22, before opening up lengths on the field in the late going. Sylvia Hanover made a mile bid and was the first to pull around the final turn, but was no match for the winner.

“She’s a great mare and was a great mare before we bought her,” said winning owner Greg Luther. “Nancy Takter did a great job with her when she had her. Honestly, going down the backside, I felt we were a winner, because this mare never gets tired and she can take a lot of air. Everything just worked out perfectly for us on this big track. It’s always great to be able to celebrate with family and this has been just a wonderful experience for us.”

Always B Naughty’s winning time was just a tick faster than her Breeders Crown elimination clocking just a week prior. The brown mare now has 18 wins, 11 seconds, and 11 thirds in 61 career starts and upped her lifetime earnings to $893,334 (USD) with this most recent triumph.