STIDHAM CHARGES DOMINATE IOWA BREEDER'S CUP

There definitely was a family feel at the top of the board in the final of the Iowa Breeders’ Cup at Iowa Greyhound Park.

JD Elegant, JD Eminence and JD Eclectic finished first, third and fourth.

“What a dynamite litter,” said Brian Webb, trainer for Stidham & Brindle Kennel. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime litter. Besides these three, there are two others in grade A.”

The trio are from JD Titanium and JD Bombshell, whelped Oct 12, 2018. They also were the top three qualifiers.

In the final, Elegant, who has hit the board in 24 of 27 races and has won five of six, broke on top from the 7 box, ahead of her littermates and Slide Off. She held a short lead entering the first turn and slowly pulled away for a five-length win in 31.63.

“There was a little jam behind her,” Webb said. “Once she gets the lead, she’s tough to run down.”

Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR True Grit, from Boc’s Hank Jr. and Boc’s Destiny, overcame a slow start with a strong rush but was unable to overtake Elegant, who has 12 wins this season.

Last year, the Stidham & Brindle entry, JD Revelation, lost by a nose to a hard-charging Revin Devon. The brindle from Copper Kettle Kennel reached the final again, finishing sixth.

“We lost by a nose last year,” Webb said. “This year we were definitely ready. It’s a fantastic way to end the year.”

Elegant paid $8, $3.40 and $2.60.

The victory also held special meaning.

“This was a big win for Jon (Stidham, owner),” Webb said. “He’s never won this one. The win is dedicated to his mom, who passed away this spring.”

The purse is estimated at $229,000. The winner receives 40%. The remainder is broken down by order of finish: 20%, 10%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5% and 4%.

In the consolation race, BGR J Capt Quick broke well and never trailed to grab the title.

“Getting the one-hole was key,” said Phil Stapleton, trainer. “He wants the inside.”

He held firm to the rail and pulled away for a 3-length win.

“Once he got around the turn he was able to get control,” Stapleton said.

The red male, from Djays Octane and Boc’s Sweeney, posted a 31.37. He has hit the board in 26 of 32 races and paid $10.20, $6.20 and $3.20. T’s CaptPhasma placed, BGR Goingoingone showed and Babinov fourth.

The consolation race purse is $7,500, with $3,000 to the winner. The remainder is based on order of finish: $1,500, $750, $600, $525, $450, $375 and $300.