Virtual Horizon makes it 11-for-11 in $114,250 Klein Memorial

Alberta harness racing juggernaut Virtual Horizon (Vertical Horizon) maintained his perfect season with an open-length victory in the $114,250 Ralph Klein Memorial for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday (Aug. 12) at Century Downs.

Trainer/driver Brandon Campbell guided the colt to the front and secured command just past the quarter in :27.4 and set middle panels of :57 and 1:25. He drew four-lengths clear turning for home and hustled home to seal the victory in 1:54.3 with a two-and-a-half-length margin. Over The Horizon (Nathan Sobey) gained late and finished second. General Custard (Colin Kelly) was third after a first-over journey.

VIRTUAL HORIZON

Virtual Horizon has won all 11 of his starts this season, including four stakes finals. The sophomore’s career record is 14-for-18 lifetime and has generated $286,563 for Jodi Loftus, George Rogers, and Raymond Henry of Calgary.

G Ts Skyla (Mystician) also made the twin stake for fillies, the Gord and Illa Rumpel Memorial, a romp.

The filly, steered by Logan Gillis, secured a pocket position to the quarter in :28.2 but discarded it to take the lead before the half in :56.4. Side Piece (Campbell) then made a first-over rush and eclipsed G Ts Skyla at three-quarters in 1:24.3, but the battle raged around the last bend. G Ts Skyla regained a one-and-a-half-length lead by the eighth pole and kicked away to a four-and-a-quarter-length triumph in 1:53.2. Side Piece proved second best. Beep Bop A Lula (Colin Kelly) completed the triactor.

G TS SKYLA REPLAY

G Ts Skyla has mirrored Virtual Horizon’s success in the filly division, winning seven of her eight races this year. She has three stake final victories on the year for trainer Scott McGinn. The filly has earned $172,010 and has won nine times in 12 lifetime outings for owners Gerald McGinn, Scott McGinn, Marjorie McGinn, and Terry McGinn.

The card also saw Western Canada record holder Shark Week (Vertical Horizon) win his eighth straight Preferred Handicap and In High Cotton (Somebeachsomewhere) extend her top-level winning streak to four.

Shark Week went wire-to-wire and cruised away coming home for a three-length victory in 1:50.3. Regular driver Michael Hennessy piloted the five-year-old to his 33rd lifetime tally for trainer Rodney Hennessy.

SHARK WEEK REPLAY

In High Cotton’s contest was closer, but the mare hung on by a head after a long battle with Miss Itunes (Phil Giesbrecht) for her 10th win of the year in 1:53.4. Trainer and co-owner Kelly Hoerdt piloted the five-year-old, who is now 19-for-79 lifetime with $199,017 in earnings.

IN HIGH COTTON REPLAY

The card concluded the race meet at Century Downs for the season. Alberta racing will shift to Century Mile on Sep. 9.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink