Flex is strong in Goodtimes

June 27, 2009

Big things are expected from Federal Flex this year, after being named an O�Brien Award winner as Canada�s top two-year-old colt trotter last season.

So far, so good. Saturday at Mohawk, Federal Flex, with driver Jody Jamieson, was sent postward a prohibitive choice in the $333,200 Goodtimes Trot. At the finish, the son of Muscles Yankee had kept his 2009 record perfect, notching his second win in as many outings. But it was a lot closer than many thought it would be, as the winning margin, in a four-horse photo, was just one-quarter length, in 1:54.2.

After taking over before the half was reached in :57.2, Federal Flex was challenged by 70-1 longshot And Heez Perfect around the far turn and into the stretch, passing the three-quarters in 1:26.3.

From there to the wire, it turned into a four-horse battle, as Federal Flex�s length and one-half margin began to dissipate. Truth In Action rallied on the outside to gain second, a quarter length in front of And Heez Perfect, while Southern Rocketop was an unlucky fourth after being unable to find room on the rail.

�It�s real difficult to be disappointed in the horse when you pick up $150,000,� said Jamieson. �But I�m a little disappointed. He came home in 27.4 but he�s a better horse than that. Usually, he doesn�t want any horses near his bridle. It was nip and tuck to win tonight. I had to get into him pretty good. I hate doing that because he�s not the type of horse you need to urge on. So, something�s going on with him. (Trainer) Jeff (Gillis) noticed that right away. But he dug in, got the win and that�s what champion horses do.�

Federal Flex is scheduled to make his next start on July 17 at The Meadowlands in the $350,000 Stanley Dancer Memorial and with some luck for his connections, it will then be on to the famed Hambletonian (elims and final) on August 1 and 8, respectively.

�You don�t beat horses like (USTA two-year-old champ) Muscle Hill with efforts like this tonight,� continued Jamieson. �So he�s going to need a better effort to beat Muscle Hill.�

Last year, Federal Flex earned $560,000, winning five of nine starts, including the $710,000 Valley Victory, before finishing third to rival Muscle Hill in the Breeders Crown after leaving from the 10-hole.

As the 2-5 favourite, Federal Flex paid $2.90, $2.40 and $2.10, pairing with Truth In Actin ($15.50, 9>90) for a $46.20 (4-10) exactor. A 4-10-5 (And Heez Perfect, $10.80 to show) triactor came back $633.30, while a $1 Superfecta (4-10-5-3 (Southern Rocketop) returned $2,363.35. (WEG)

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