Blinkers make the difference at Churchill

Condestable, racing with blinkers for the first time, was forwardly placed early, challenged for the lead on the turn, took control at the top of the stretch and went on to win the second race at Churchill last Friday by a neck. Condestable stopped the clock in 1:17.01 in the 6 ½ furlong heat. The son of Rock Hampton returned $17.20 to his backers when his eighth career victory was declared official. Brian Hernandez rode the winner in the $16,000 claiming event. The Keith Bourgeois trainee was claimed two races back at Delta Downs. The 5 year old is owned by Charles Boudreaux and has now earned $145,000 in his lifetime. The dark bay has finished in the money (top three finishers) in 19 of 36 career races.