Bob’s Laural Out Duels Brother for Texas Fall Sprint Title
- Stokes-LaRosa Kennel sweeps the trifecta at Gulf Greyhound Park -
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Although it seemed evident that the Stokes-LaRosa Kennel would probably make a good showing in the finals of the 2006 $15,000 Texas Fall Sprint Classic, kennel co-owner and trainer Tommy LaRosa couldn’t have scripted it any better.
In retrospect, it’s true, the Gulf Greyhound Park’s 2006 stakes season belonged to the Stokes-LaRosa Kennel, winning all but one series; also true is the fact that the kennel qualified four sprinters from their kennel in the final eight (interestingly enough, all four were from the famed Gable Dodge – Bob’s Fraschilla litter that has dominated GGP for a full year). However, the most glaring beacon shining down on the kennel on Saturday evening, Nov. 4 was the fact that one of their qualifiers was Bob’s Skeet; undefeated in qualifying and looking to add to his amazing 2006 credentials, which will likely propel him onto the All-American team, with or without a Fall Classic victory.
As the box opened for Texas’ second richest race of the year, it was unfolding much as the crowd expected. The early speedster, Gramauldi, from the LQK Kennel, jumped out of the box and bested the field to the 1/8-pole. While Gramauldi set the pace, the rest of the field maneuvered for position behind. Eventual winner, Bob’s Laural, impressively broke from the box in third position and maintained that advantage until the stretch call. That is where littermate and race favorite, Bob’s Skeet, cut to the inside, while Laural held her position mid-track, both went around early leader Gramauldi head to head.
With Bob’s Skeet’s storied past looming over the rest of the field, it seemed likely that the multiple-champion would add another trophy to his mantle; however, Bob’s Laural had something to say about that. It was as though little sister looked over at her brother as he nosed ahead of her and said “not tonight!” With that, Bob’s Laural powered down the stretch to reclaim the lead and the $15,000 Texas Fall Sprint Classic crown by a nose; while clocking an evening best 30.22, she earned the first stakes win of her career. As unlikely as the title seemed for Laural, (she qualified for the final without a win and was the only littermate from “The Litter” without at least one stakes win) victory was hers, and her proud trainer, Tommy LaRosa, was very pleased.
“I really thought she (Laural) as well as [Bob’s] Streak had a chance to make some noise in this race because of their post draws,” said LaRosa. “Of course, my sentimental favorite in the race was Bob’s Skeet, but believe me, I’m just as happy that Bob’s Laural came home with the win. She really deserves it”
Bob’s Laural paid $18.60 for the win ticket. The remainder of the field ran as follows: Bob’s Skeet (2nd), Bob’s Streak (3rd), Gramauldi (4th), Bob’s Tuscola (5th), Eli Skinner (6th), Struttin Cowboy (7th), and DLT Pure Country (8th). |
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| For more information on this, or any greyhound news, contact Gulf Greyhound Park at 1-800-275-2946 or log on to the track's website at http://www.gulfgreyhound.com. |
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