Didrickson rallies to win Horseplayer final

After scoring a victory in her elimination last week, Didrickson delivered in the $60,000 HorsePlayer Interactive Stakes final Friday night at Woodbine. With the victory, the daughter of Keystone Raider has now scored six consecutive victories and remains unbeaten in 2011 for owner/trainer Kelly Goodwin.

 

Driver Randy Waples elected to use off-the-pace tactics in the early going as Flip Flop Summer (Rick Zeron) took control of the lead before the opening quarter in :28.4. As the field marched towards the half, LH Nenia (Phil Hudon) was still on the outside, so Zeron elected to release her to the front before retaking the lead past the half in :58.

 

Around the final turn, Miss Maverick (Mike Saftic) pulled first-over with P Note Blue Chip (Keith Oliver) tracking her. Didrickson was fourth-over and six lengths off the tempo-setter past three-quarters in 1:27.1.

 

Flip Flop Summer was able to fend off all comers down the stretch until Didrickson exploded late in the mile to score the victory in 1:58.1. Flip Flop Summer stayed for second over Ardor Locke (Jack Moiseyev).

 

Didrickson now has 13 career victories as her lifetime earnings grew to $137,971. She paid $7. (WEG)