By DRF.com
FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2024) – Defending his title with consummate ease, odds-on favorite Clovisconnection blazed to a six-length win in Sunday’s $73,500 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles.
Clovisconnection ($2.40) took the lead at the start and was clear throughout the six-furlong race. He was not urged late by jockey William Antongeorgi, finishing six lengths clear of 9-2 Disko Tribute in a field of five.
Melanie’s Tiger, who was checked shortly after the start, recovered to finish third, followed by Scary Fast Ride and Lmlooknformischief, who stumbled at the start.
Only five ran after Bob’s Blue Moon was scratched.
Clovisconnection was timed in 1:08.90, winning for the 10th time in his 16-race career.
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Clovisconnection was in front by 1 1/2 lengths after a quarter-mile in 23.82 seconds and by 2 1/2 lengths after a half-mile in 45.93.
“He broke well and established the lead in what was a wicked slow first quarter,” trainer Blaine Wright said in a phone interview.
“When a crack sprinter gets away with a fraction like that, they’re usually around at the finish.”
Last year, Clovisconnection won the Harris Farms Stakes as a 3-year-old by a head, stalking the early pace and fighting through the stretch.
A gelding by Vronsky, Clovisconnection races for owners and breeders Bill and Judy Hedrick. Clovisconnection has won seven stakes and earned $393,300.
Clovisconnection won the Oak Tree Sprint at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton in June and was second by a head in the $150,000 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs on Aug. 11.
Wright said Clovisconnection will be pointed to races at the Golden State Racing meeting at Pleasanton that begins on Oct. 19. The Golden State Racing meeting replaces dates previously run at Golden Gate Fields, which closed permanently in June.
While races in Southern California will be considered later in the fall or winter with Clovisconnection, Wright said the focus is on Pleasanton.
“I want to be a big supporter of Northern California racing,” Wright said.