$80,100 Oklahoma Classic Lassie presented by the Kaw Nation
Jockey Cliff Berry moved within one win of Don Pettinger for all-time most Oklahoma Classics Night wins, guiding home Miss Kipling in this 6-furlong sprint to win by a length and a half.
This was Berry’s 20th trip to the winner’s circle on Oklahoma Classics Night. Pettinger has 21 victories. Miss Kipling had only one horse beat on a muddy track after a quarter of a mile,
but began picking up horses at the quarter pole and passed them all, finishing in a time of 1:11.72.
Owners Young Stables and K. and J. Hall of Oklahoma City pocketed $48,060 for the win, Miss Kipling’s second in only three starts. She is 2-for-2 against fillies and 2-for-2 with Berry in the saddle.
Lee Young of Young Stables said this filly did not sell in the summer yearling sale and trainer Bret Calhoun told him he really liked her looks. So they purchased her for an undisclosed bargain price, and she has certainly returned that money back to her owners in only three starts. Young said Berry had another commitment in the only race he didn’t ride her.
"Everything went well," said Berry. "My entry mate was on the outside of me and had a little more speed so I let her go ahead. She just dug in down the stretch.
I wasn't sure if I was going to catch the other horse or not at the head of the stretch but her class showed. She is a nice filly."
The horse Berry spoke of catching was runner-up and first-time starter Whenislifeaholiday, who went off at 28-1 odds. Another neck back in third was Jazzin’ Okie.
Miss Kipling returned $4.20, $2.60 and $2.20 across the board. The 1-8 exacta payoff for a $2 wager was $78.80. The $1 trifecta paid $364.30.
