Ova Charged, a horse bred by Brittlyn Stables, secured her fifth consecutive win and her first graded stakes victory in the Unbridled Sidney Stakes at Churchill Downs, despite a slow start and a tough battle in the stretch.
‣ Ova Charged, a horse bred by Brittlyn Stables, secured her fifth consecutive victory and her 13th win from 16 lifetime starts by overcoming a slow start to win the GIII Unbridled Sidney S., marking her fourth win in turf sprint events.
‣ Despite a challenging race that included a “tooth-and-nail battle” with Stone Silent and late challenges from other competitors, Ova Charged demonstrated resilience and determination to win the race, underlining her talent and the effective training and strategy by her team.
‣ The pedigree of Ova Charged is highlighted, with her being a product of Star Guitar and Charged Cotton, indicating a strong lineage with success in turf racing. This background, combined with strategic decisions by her trainer Shane Wilson and the skill of jockey Florent Geroux, has contributed to her impressive performance on the track.
#2 Ova Charged holds off several late chargers to win the Unbridled Sidney Stakes @ChurchillDowns as the 3/5 favorite!
Jockey: @flothejock
Trainer: Shane Wilson
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/AM2Qj91qmM
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 3, 2024
The Bayou beast has now claimed her throne in Kentucky. Brittlyn Stables’ very own Ova Charged, a progeny of Star Guitar, showed her mettle in the Unbridled Sidney Stakes last Friday. Despite a sluggish start, she powered through to secure her fifth straight win. This victory marks her 13th in 16 starts, showcasing her dominance in turf sprint events.
She was the hot favorite, coming off a staggering 12 1/2-length victory over her Louisiana kin. That race earned her an impressive 113 Beyer Speed Figure. Yet, in the Unbridled Sidney, she stumbled out of the gate. Under Florent Geroux’s guidance, though, she found her rhythm. She weaved through competitors, taking the lead with a swift move past Stone Silent.
The race was a nail-biter, with Ova Charged and Stone Silent neck and neck. But in the stretch, our queen pulled ahead, refusing to be beaten. Secret Money and Run For The Hills threw down challenges, but Ova Charged wouldn’t have it. She crossed the finish line first, proving her mettle once again.
Before Shane Wilson took the reins, Jose Camejo was her trainer. She’s had quite the journey, from dirt to turf, showcasing her versatility. Her turf debut was nothing short of spectacular, hinting at her natural affinity for the grass. Last seen in March, she dazzled everyone, sprinting to victory and stopping the clock with an enviable time.
Wilson, her current trainer, can’t help but praise her. “She’s a breeze to train, so darn smart,” he says. After the race, he quizzed Geroux about the tight spots. Geroux’s response? He always had more in the tank. Wilson believes in not overworking her, focusing on her natural talent instead. Her lineage, after all, suggested she’d shine on turf.
Speaking of lineage, Star Guitar, her sire, had a stellar career, with 24 wins in 30 starts. Brittlyn’s Evelyn Benoit, who bred Star Guitar, has invested heavily in quality mares. Charged Cotton, Ova Charged’s dam, was one such investment. This lineage has produced champions, and Ova Charged is no exception.
On that fateful Friday at Churchill Downs, Ova Charged didn’t just race; she told a story. A story of resilience, talent, and a legacy continuing to unfold. With a purse of $332,000, the Unbridled Sidney Stakes was more than a race. It was a testament to a champion’s heart.
And there you have it, folks. Ova Charged, against all odds, clinched the victory. With @flothejock in the saddle and Shane Wilson strategizing from the sidelines, Brittlyn Stable Inc. must be over the moon. For a glimpse of this thrilling race, check out the #TwinSpiresReplay. What a race, what a horse!
