For Immediate Release
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
TURF MONSTER ANTIOCH DIAMOND CONTINUES REIGN AT REMINGTON
OKLAHOMA CITY – The perfect season for Antioch Diamond at Remington Park continued Friday night as he won over the turf course again, this time around two turns for the first time on the lawn.
Owned by Claude Box of Elmore City, Okla. and trained by Aaron Box, the 5-year-old Antioch Diamond was handled by Ramsey Zimmerman. He had become a turf-sprinting specialist over the past two years but attempted to stretch his stamina around two turns Friday at 7-1/2 furlongs. Left alone on the lead throughout, his effort was successful as he held on to win by a head in 1:31.16 over the firm going.
Unpressured on the lead for the majority of the race, Antioch Diamond was able to set easy fractional times with a quarter-mile in :24.34, the half-mile in :48.60 and six furlongs in 1:12.80. Zimmerman allowed the Oklahoma-bred to relax a bit in the middle portion of the race, saving enough energy to fend off a late charge by Alwayswithapproval and Andiotis in the final strides to win.
In a photo of bobbing-heads, Antioch Diamond had his moving down at the perfect time to reach the finish ahead of Alwayswithapproval. Andiotis battled back at the rail, another head behind in third.
Antioch Diamond was 5-1 in the wagering and paid $13 to win, $5.20 to place and $3.40 to show. Alwayswithapproval returned $5 to place and $3.40 to show. Andiotis paid $3.80 to show.
The win was the ninth from 19 career attempts for Antioch Diamond, a gelded son of Deodar from the Vanlandingham mare Diamond Ruth. He has won all three of his Remington Park races in his career this season and has won five of his last six attempts overall this year. Over turf, Antioch Diamond has now won seven races. He earned $21,015 on Friday to push his lifetime total to $128,534.
The simulcast of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be offered at Remington Park on Saturday, Nov. 6. Remington Park live racing begins early at Noon, alternating the races with the simulcasts of the major stakes events from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
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Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
