Arctic Ocean parlayed a strong closing kick to take down the $60,000 top prize in the filly division of the OBS Championship Stakes.
Arctic Ocean raced toward the rear of the field early after breaking from the far outside in post position 12. The recipient of a patient ride from Rafael Hernandez, she ranged into contention with a three-wide rally into the stretch and raced as a team with Save Rock and Roll through the lane. Arctic Ocean dug in gamely late, fending off a stern challenge from Save Rock and Roll and jockey Joe Bravo to prevail by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:46.80.
“I bought her out of the sale over this track, and I just loved the way she trained over it,” Contessa said. “She showed up. It was great. The post kind of bothered me a little bit, and I really appreciate that Billy Mott scratched. When he scratched (Quality Rocks) it became an open, even race. She’s a good filly. She ran well at Gulfstream, and she’s truly never run a bad race. I’m glad it all worked out for us today
Sold by David and Teresa Palmer’s Winners Circle Thoroughbreds LLC for $33,000 at the 2014 OBS June sale, Arctic Ocean now boasts earnings of $125,340 for owners John Moirano, Nehoc Stables, and Alan Sokol.