California trainer hoping for a spark from Samantha Q

Trainer Edgar “Sparky” Clarke has returned to California with some quality performers, including a very nice pacing filly answering to the name of Samantha Q.

The 2-year-old daughter of Real Artist carries the banner of David Neumeister and Cheri Clarke and is coming off an excellent 1:55.3 victory with Bruce Clarke handling the lines.

“This is a real nice filly, but after she won in 1:56 and a piece at Chester with Cat Manzi, she disappointing in some Pennsylvania stakes races,” Sparky related. “John Campbell drove her in a couple of those, and he told me she was loaded at the three-quarters, then just let go in the stretch.

“It turned out she was suffering from allergies, and it wasn’t until recently that we got it under control. To be honest, I thought she’d be pacing in 1:53 at this point, but that’s the way things work out. She’s good now, though.”

Samantha Q was hammered down to even money for last week’s second local appearance and she did not disappoint her many backers. She made what proved to be winning move to the lead past the quarter, opened up early in the drive and showed the way home by a length over an improving Blue Note.

“That’s going to be all for here,” Clarke said. “She’s gone to the farm for a little rest and then we’ll send her back for some more stakes races in Pennsylvania.”

It will interesting to see if this gal can deliver on the promise she showed this summer, now that the things that have been bothering are cleared up. Last week’s local tally could be the springboard to some rich paydays in the Keystone State. (Cal Expo)

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