By Stephanie Corum – September 27, 2014
The first big test for the youngsters at Delaware Park came on September 27 in the Delaware Park Arabian Juvenile Championship S. (G3). The favorite was Mark Ashby’s homebred Lazur Hess, who broke his maiden at first asking by almost 12 lengths. Of course, that was at 6 furlongs and this distance was 1 mile and 70 yards, but he looked suited to be able to get the extra distance.
The eight 3-year-olds had to wait extra long in the gate because Sand Victor got skittish, requiring jockey Carol Cedeno to hop off, wait and then get back on. Once settled, the gates open and the start was good for all.
Storm Troupour nabbed the lead over Sand Champ with Front Rowe and Lazur Hess settling nicely behind them. The top 4 opened up about 8 lengths on the second group of 4. Sand Champ challenged for the lead going into the turn and these two battled head and head. Lazur Hess eased up on the outside and took aim at the leader, Sand Champ. Storm Troupour began to tire while Lazur Hess and Sand Champ both drifted away from the rail. Lazur Hess ran a bit greenly and veered to the inside, but at that point he was well clear of his rival so there was no interference. Jockey Ricardo Chiappe kept him to task and together they put the field away. The grey colt was much the best, winning by 5 lengths in a time of 1:55.09. Sand Champ, owned and trained by Mark Powell, stayed on for second and RB So Rich, owned by Garrett Ford and trained by Randy Nunley, made a mild bid to finish third. They were followed by Fearsome, Sand Victor, Special P, Storm Troupour and Front Rowe.
Lazur Hess, who is trained by Ashby’s wife Lynn, is by the Amer son Dahess. Dahess was an incredible racehorse winning 13 stakes internationally, and he is now making his mark as a stallion. His offspring in the U.S. include Darley Champion Thess Is Awesome and graded stakes winner Delishess. Lazur Hess is out of Rzoe Lute (by Makzan), who was also bred by Ashby. She finished second in the Daughters of the Desert Futurity (G1) and has produced two other foals. Her first foal, SE Deci (by DA Adios+/) won 4 races and over $33,000.
