Clever Performance named AGameofSkill Claimer of the Week

Clever Performance, a gelding claimed three times in the last six months, sailed to victory with an excellent performance Saturday afternoon (1/21/12) at Tampa Bay Downs. Starting from the far outside, Clever Performance was heavily restrained by rider Ademar Santos for the first half-mile of the Mile and 40 yard contest. The roan gelding pulled his way to the lead at the quarter pole and when asked for his best at the top of the stretch Clever Performance cruised to the wire, holding off a heavily bet favorite and another late runner in the process. The four year old is owned by Juan Arriagada and trained by Anthony Pecoraro.  Clever Performance stopped the timer at 1:42.01 and paid a whopping $31.00 to win. The son of sire Da Stoops has six wins from 21 races and 14 in-the-money finishes with career earnings nearing $40,000. Clever Performance was purchased at OBS (Ocala, Florida) in 2010.

— Art Parker