The first stakes race of the year at Delaware Park was held on June 7. The Arabian Diamond State Stakes (G2), sponsored by Mokee Arabians, was contested at 1 1/16 miles for a purse of $25,000 guaranteed.
The favorite was RB Champagne Taste, bred and owned by Rosebrook Farms LLC, who raced over the winter at Sam Houston and finished second in the Texas Six Shooter Arabian S. (G2).
The break was good for all 7 runners. It was DR Burn, Aim Hi, and Burning Breeze across the track in front while the favorite settled at the back of the pack. DR Burn got the slight advantage on the rail, but the three continued to race as a team through the first half-mile with Burning Breeze three wide the entire time.
RB Champagne Taste started his impressive move under jockey Juan Torres as the field moved into the turn. He quickly made up ground on the outside and “in the blink of an eye” went from last to first. Burning Breeze tried to go with him but did not have the same level of acceleration.
RB Champagne Taste opened up 4 lengths at the top of the stretch and it quickly became a battle for second between Burning Breeze and Quick And Rich who was advancing steadily. Tom Fritz’s Quick And Rich continued to close the gap between him and the leader, but RB Champagne Taste was safely home, winning by 2 lengths in a time of 1:57.00. Quick And Rich was easily second best over Burning Breeze. Aim Hi, DR Burn, Alphaa and Sergeant Pepper MHF completed the field.
RB Champagne Taste was trained by Randy Nunley. He is a 4-year-old grey son of Majd Al Arab (by Amer). His dam is Djenzel, a graded stakes-placed winner of almost $52,000. She is also the dam of stakes winner Djenzel (by *Ala Croixnoire), who earned almost $70,000 at the track and Richly Kept (by TH Richie), a graded stakes-placed winner of over $35,000. This win put RB Champagne Taste’s career record at 2/8(3-5-0), $46,466.
RB Champagne Taste winning The Arabian Diamond State at Delaware Park racetrack on June 7, 2014
Photo courtesy of www.hoofprintsinc.com
