From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Sylvia Heft’s Eighttofasttocatch bounded to the lead a few strides out of the gate and was in complete control the rest of the way as he drove to victory in the $100,000 Jennings Handicap for registered Maryland-breds.
This was the third year in a row that the Tim Keefe trainee had won the Jennings, matching Little Bold John (1987-88-89) for that honor. Forest Boyce was in the irons as the son of Not For Love completed the one mile distance in 1:36.76 and won by six lengths. Wild Louis took second and Concealed Identity finished third.
“He broke a little slow today but he was much the best,” said Boyce. “Tim always has him ready for me. I get to just hang on and enjoy the ride.”
“I don’t want to sound overconfident but it was a nice race,” said Keefe.”He’s very good right now. I’m most proud that he’s maintaining at this level. He has no problem with a mile and a mile and an eighth. I’m flattered that he’s mentioned in the same sentence with Little Bold John.”
“He’s done a heck of a job,” said Arnold Heft, who is married to the owner. “This guy has won close to a million. He’s making me feel young. This horse is not for sale.”
This was the ninth career stakes win for the 7-year old. He won the Maryland Million Classic in his previous start and in April captured the Henry S Clark Stakes at Pimlico. Today he paid $3.60.
