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Show Local race horse burns Denver track A locally bred chestnut gelding owned by A.L. Bud Hacking of Vernal is said to be the "Best 3-year-old" on a Denver track, but last year it appeared he wouldn't even be racing. Last year he came down with severe colic after starting just three times, Hacking said. Dr. Ed Oscarson, Vernal veterinarian, performed 52 hours on. stomach surgery. The gelding survived with a 100 to one chance. "We didn't know how good he was until these last two wins, but now we fell pretty sure he's the best 3-year-old around here," Hacking told the Rocky Mountain News. Escalope won the July 5 Broadmoor Handicap as an 18-1 longshot, and proved last Sunday at the Centennial Race Track that he could win as a favorite as well. "In fact, his victory in the $13,000 Knick's Stakes may have proved that Escalope is the best 3-year-old on the grounds at Centennial Race Track," reported the Rocky Mountain News. With Tim Madster completing his third riding triple in a week, Escalope ran wide much of the 1-16 mile Knick's distance, but had plenty left at the end to overtake Phonics and triumph by a nose in 1:44 2-5 in Sunday's race. Escalope was the 3-2 favorite. The Vernal-bred chestnut gelding now has won four times in seven starts, and the $7,150 he earned Sunday boosted his earnings for the year to $14,751. Escalope is the son of Fleet Excuse a stallion owned by Ray Pease o(Vni ' Escalope gets his next char) prove his superiority in the local W old ranks Aug. 14 in the $15 000-a'dv Centennial Derby at 11-8 miles. Staj should again be on Escalope on occasion. |