Rondelito withstood a lengthy claim of foul to win his fifth consecutive race Saturday in the Grade 3, $125,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings.
Accidental Genius, who finished 3 1/2 lengths back in second, had a separate claim of foul filed against him and it, too, was disallowed as stewards made no change to the order of finish.
It was another nose back in third to Dancing Porky.
Rondelito ($12.70) settled in fourth in the early stages of the BC Derby as Mount Doom and Prime Directive dueled through an opening quarter in 23.43 seconds, a half-mile in 46.70, and six furlongs in 1:11.78.
Rondelito made an authoritative move past those rivals from there, and began to separate himself from the field while going on to cover 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:50.30.
Kimal Santo was aboard the winner for owner Lorie Henson and trainer Steve Henson.
Rondelito is a son of Lent who began his win streak in a maiden race on May 18 at Hastings. He proceeded to win the track’s Ross McLeod Stakes, Chris Loseth Handicap, and BC Cup Sir Winston Derby Trial Handicap.
Overall, he has now won five of nine starts.
Zenari placed first in BC Oaks
Zenari was placed first in the $75,000 British Columbia Oaks following a double disqualification. Gee I’m Foxy, who finished first, was demoted to second, and Someday Lady, who was second, was placed third.
A field of four went to post after Chi Chi Time was scratched at the gate at 1-5. There was no show wagering.
Zenari ($15.40), who finished third, stalked the pace set by Gee I’m Foxy, who set pressured fractions of 23.33 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.13 for the half-mile and 1:13.42 for six furlongs. Zenari, meanwhile, attempted to advance between the leader and Someday Lady and was forced to check. Gee I’m Foxy dug in to maintain her advantage to the wire, covering the 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:51.68.
Following an inquiry and claims of foul, stewards called for the double disqualification.
Antonio Reyes rode Zenari. Gee I’m Foxy finished first by 1 3/4 lengths over Someday Lady, who was 2 3/4 lengths clear of Zenari.
Zenari is a daughter of Counterforce who is trained by Pat Jarvis.
Jarvis also co-owns Zenari with Wil – A – Way Farm and Gail Jewsbury.
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