It was another stellar performance by Valiantinecandyrocks, who was untouchable in the 13th running of the $84,200 Bob Woodard Memorial Classic during the fifth all-Quarter Horse day Saturday at Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, Indiana.
Valiantinecandyrocks (photo) was out of the gates in a flash, getting the early lead in the 400-yard dash. The five-year-old black mare by Valiant Hero led comfortably down the lane, stretching out to a three-quarter length win at the wire under wraps with jockey Sammy Mendez.
Beach Mercedes and German Rodriguez gave trainer Randy Smith a daily double in the race followed by Jess A Flyin Beach and L.D. Martinez, who recovered from a stumble out of the gate to finish an impressive third. The time of the dash was 19.929 seconds.
Owned by breeders Lance and Tammy Finlinson of Greenwood, Indiana, Valiantinecandyrocks earned her third win in four starts in 2021. She is 9-for-18 lifetime and has been a favorite from the Finlinson’s breeding and racing operation since she was born at their farm. They were trackside Saturday to accept the trophy and awards for their prized mare.
“That was some great racing, and this mare has gotten so good this year,” said Finlinson. “She breaks, leads and takes off. Randy and Debbie (Smith) and their team have done such a good job with her along with Sammy (Mendez). They are superstars. There is one more stakes coming up at the very end of the meet that hopefully she will be in. This rest is well deserved and will be good for her.”
Valiantinecandyrocks is out of the Finlinson’s great brood mare, Jesses Candy, who continues to produce stakes winners. She now has more than $214,000 in career earnings.
One more all-Quarter Horse racing day is set for Oct. 9, featuring a day dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The program begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a chocolate and wine tasting station, massage chairs, pink martinis, spa package giveaways, and T-shirt sales with all proceeds going to Indiana Women In Need (IWIN), a local cancer organization.
Four trials for Indiana Champions Day will be included with the Miss Roxie Little Futurity, Sterlie Bertram Memorial, QHRAI Derby and Governor’s Stakes and the $75,000 Hoosier Park Classic.
