With finalists determined by adding the first and second go-round score, leading the $170.622- Level (L)4 Open composite was Italy’s Nico Sicuro with Gunner Be Step between the reins. The stallion, owned and bred by Quarter Dream Srl, is by Sugar Little Step — standing stud at Quarter Dream — and out of the facility’s historic mare, Gunna Be Majestic (by NRHA’s only Fourteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner).
The duo, who scored a 222 in the first go round, closed their second run with a 218 which brought their composite score to a 440. “I’m really happy with how my horse went,” said Quarter Dream’s head trainer. He’s a really talented horse but until this show, even though expectations were high, I wasn’t able to bring out the best of him. Between the first and second go he really improved and today followed me all the way. We are thrilled with this home-bred prospect and I am especially pleased for breeder Pietro [Marseglia] who loves both his sire and dam.”
Taking the lead in the $48.385-added L3 division with a 433.5 (218.5/215) composite score, were the L3 first go round leaders Luca Piccolo and Cliff Shining Gun (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Shining Sweety), a stallion bred and owned by active non pro rider Carola Fiorini. “He was really good in both the go rounds and very honest; he actually did more than what I expected,” shared Piccolo. “I broke and trained him, so I know him well. In the Finals I don’t want to ask too much of him because of the fact that he’s always been so honest."
Clinching the highest composite 432 (216.5/215.5) in the $22.919-added L2 division was Poland’s Rafal Dolata riding Whoos My Daddy (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Miss Marilyn Morika), a palomino mare owned and bred by Sebastian Bajer. “It’s always really nice to be on top of the rankings. My mount was great and she was really good during the whole show where we had two good and solid go-rounds. I don’t have a plan for the Finals, but for sure we’ll go in and do the best we can!”
Topping the leaderboard in the $12.733-added L1 was the 426.5 composite score (216/210.5) captured by the first go round leaders Shane Mark Bass and Superwalla (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Ah Lady Oscar), a stallion owned and bred by Alberto Sabbadin. “I’m of course very happy even though, unlike the first go where I felt the horse was really doing well, today he was a little more tired. In the next few days going into the Finals, I will let him get as much rest as possible."
The Numbers
Level 4 – entries 74 - finalists 21 - bubble score 428.5
Level 3 – entries 76 - finalists 21 - bubble score 425.5
Level 2 – entries 78 - finalists 20 - bubble score 422
Level 1 – entries 35 - finalists 14 - bubble score 406
The Finals will be held on Saturday 18 with free access to the public for the first section (L3, 2, and 1). For the second section featuring the Level 4 Open Finals tickets must be purchased to attend. To buy your ticket click here: www.teamforyou.net
Thursday action in Cremona will feature the In Foal Partners Italian Championship FISE/IRHA $10.700-added Open, $5.885-added Intermediate Open, $500-added Limited Open Finals and the $1.070-added NRHA Open ancillary class run concurrently.
The Rabboni Performance Horses $51.360-added IRHA/NRHA 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity Finals will close the day.
Photos by Bonaga Communication
Live stream: live.andreabonaga.it
Live score: showmanager.info
For further information: www.FUTURITY.it / www.IRHA.it
IRHA-NRHA Futurity Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
