Flight Club Dominates CTD Distance #2 Stakes at Century Downs

Veteran distance specialist Flight Club continued his remarkable career Saturday afternoon when he rolled to a commanding 6½-length victory in the $14,293(US) CTD Distance #2 Stakes at Century Downs.

Sent off as the overwhelming favorite, Flight Club went immediately to the front and was never seriously threatened while completing the 770 yards in :39.786, earning a 107 Speed Index over a fast racing surface. The 8-year-old gelding collected $7,810(US) for the victory.

Alexander Marti rode Flight Club for owner Jerry Stojan and trainer William H. Leech. Bred in California by Steve D Burns, DVM, the gray gelding is by champion Foose out of the Separatist mare Seperate Flight. Flight Club was purchased for $19,000 at the 2019 Los Alamitos Equine Mixed Sale.

The victory improved Flight Club's career record to 22 wins, seven seconds, and five thirds from 39 starts, with earnings of $267,201. His stakes résumé includes victories in the Evergreen Park Juvenile Challenge, Century Mile Bonus Challenge, Evergreen Park Championship Challenge, and Alberta Aged Invitational, along with four wins in the Old Timers Classic Stakes, etc.

Not Easy Being Me rallied late to finish second, a nose in front of Splash Mountain Mia, and earned $3,831(US). The 5-year-old mare is owned, bred, and trained by Tom Kenway and was ridden by M. A. Campillo. She is by Bd Cruiser out of Eye Cruise, by Eye Take Time.

Not Easy Being Me has compiled three wins, two seconds and seven thirds from 24 career starts and has earned $35,229.

Splash Mountain Mia finished another 1¼ lengths ahead of fourth-place finisher Krash On Okey and earned $1,768(US) for third. Daniel Tavares rode the 5-year-old mare for owner James F. Cusitar and trainer Todd Kettleson. Bred by Barry And/Or Janice Sather, Splash Mountain Mia is by Gone To The Mountain out of Splashy Mamacita, by Volcom. She was a $10,000 purchase at the 2022 AQHRA Yearling and Mixed Sale.

Splash Mountain Mia has one win, one second, and one third from 11 career starts and earnings of $11,614.

Krash On Okey, who weakened in mid-stretch, completed the order of finish. Rusty Gansito was scratched by the veterinarian.

The CTD Distance #2 Stakes was contested under cloudy skies with a 20-mph headwind and a fast racing surface.

Editor’s note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track photographer.

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