September 2^nd, 2018 will be a day long remembered as More Ice sat a perfect trip, then showed an exceptional turn of foot when asked for his run at the top of the stretch to easily take command, winning convincingly by 1&1/2 lengths while running the final 1/8 of a mile under 12 seconds (the only horse in the race to do so). More Ice ran his final 1/8 mile stretch run FASTER than the two year olds in the stake did at the same distance a few races earlier. Any maiden allowance race with a $60,000 purse at Del Mar is sure to be a tough spot, it’s the kind of race where future stars come from, so the way he overwhelmed a full field of well-bred, talented runners gives us reason for genuine excitement. More Ice is bred to be a top horse, especially on grass, and today he took a big step forward. Recall in his first two promising efforts he was a closing 3^rd on dirt in his debut in a race way too short for him, and an under-the-radar-good 5^th in the same kind of race he won tonight when he was stuck on the rail for most of the race and came running late to be beaten less than three lengths for the win. This time he had an ideal trip, so it was a key test as to just what kind of horse we really had. While one win does not guarantee a future star, off this effort we have a lot to look forward to here. 

This was the first win for our California program with trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and his team (after a good 2^nd with Two Fifty Coup and the two good previous starts for More Ice mentioned above). We thank Jerry and his crew for all their hard work and professionalism and look forward to lots more trips to the winner’s circle with this horse and many others to come. Congratulations to all the owners in group #42, especially Eric Homme and Bow River, LLC, who were on hand with their families and friends to celebrate in person.