For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 18, 2011
REMINGTON PARK SEASON OPENS, BILLY TWO HATS ROLLS IN TURF FEATURE
OKLAHOMA CITY – The 2011 Remington Park Season got underway Thursday night with hot summer temperatures in the high-90s. The action on both the main track and turf course was just as heated, as evidenced by a blistering performance put forth by Billy Two Hats in a five-furlong turf sprint.
Owned by Thunderhead Farms of Des Moines, Iowa and trained by Don Von Hemel, Billy Two Hats scored beneath jockey Alex Birzer, winning his Remington Park debut, a $40,000 allowance event. The 3-year-old gelding was in striking position around the lone turn over the firm turf, trailing by just a length. He took the lead with a quarter-mile to run and pulled clear to win by a length over a resilient Smokethruakeyhole who faded off the turn then found more run. Aces N Kings, the beaten 6-5 wagering favorite, finished third over three lengths behind the winner.
Billy Two Hats crossed the finish in :55.52 seconds, just .38 seconds off the course record of :55.14.
The second choice in the wagering at 9-5 odds, Billy Two Hats paid $5.60 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Smokethruakeyhole paid $4.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Aces N Kings paid $2.60 to show.
A chestnut by Aragorn (Ire) from the Dixieland Band mare Silent Oath, Billy Two Hats won his fourth race from nine attempts and his second in a row. He has now won three of his last four starts dating back to May. The first Oklahoma City win for the quick sprinter was also his first over turf, giving his connections more options and $23,865 for the effort. Billy Two Hats has now earned $92,902 overall.
The $50,000 Red Earth Stakes for Oklahoma-breds over the turf is featured on Friday evening. Saturday’s stakes fare includes the $200,000 Remington Park Sprint Cup and the $100,000 Governor’s Cup. The first race on Friday and Saturday evening is at 6:30pm.
The Remington Park Thoroughbred Season continues thru Saturday, Dec. 10. A stakes schedule of 28 events, with total purses of more than $3.2 million, is headlined by the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Open daily at 10am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park also features Henry Hudson’s on the first floor, which opens for lunch at 11am. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
Billy Two Hats with jockey Alex Birzer
Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
For More Information, Contact:
Dale Day
405-425-3215 (o), 405-326-7496 (m)