Page 166 - Speedhorse November 2019

PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity-G2
SASS GO BLUE
by Tracy Gantz
Trainer Jose Flores and owner/breeder Dr. Steve Burns have known each other for many years. So when Flores purchased Sass Go Blue, a son of Champion Aged Mare Sass Me Blue, for $12,500 at the 2018 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, they immediately decided to partner on the youngster.
“He’s out of a Grade 1 stakes-winning Champion mare,” said Burns. “He was a nice- looking horse, but it was early in the sale and he just wasn’t bringing anything at all in the bidding. We were standing with Jose, and we decided to buy him. I don’t think we paid too much for him—it was a really good deal.”
Flores was happy to partner with Burns, and Sass Go Blue repaid them both with a victory in the $345,000 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity-G2 at Los Alamitos on Oct. 5.
“I’ve known Dr. Burns for a long time, going back to when he worked at the Double Bar S Ranch,” said Flores.
“Dr. Burns and his wife, Jo, they are great people,” the trainer continued. “They’ve been there for me a lot over the years and have always helped me as much as possible with my small breeding program. They’re special people, and it’s a joy for me to enjoy this win with them.”
Sass Go Blue won his Sept. 15 trial to
the PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity. After a brushed break, he rallied and scored the win by 1/2-length. His time of :17.791 gave the gelding the eighth fastest qualifying time to the finals under Cruz Mendez.
Sass Go Blue went off as a 28-1 longshot in the PCQHRA Breeders
Futurity. Ridden once again by
Mendez, the gelding broke on
top from the rail while favored Mental Error false broke, had a difficult trip, and finished last.
Sass Go Blue led easily throughout the 350 yards, going wire-to-wire and scoring the victory by 3/4-length in :17.584, good for a 95 speed index. The $144,900 winner’s share of the purse boosted his total bankroll to $156,376. His record now stands at 7-3(1)-1-0.
With this victory in th
PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity,
became the first open graded stakes winner for his sire, Seperate Interest, who stands at Burns Ranch in Menifee, California.
“That’s big for him,” said Burns of Seperate Interest. “He needed a big runner. He’s had a lot of nice ones, but he needed a futurity winner.”
Seperate Interest, who is a full brother
to Champion Inseperable, won three stakes during his career, including the 2014 Kaweah Bar Handicap-G3, and earned $486,761. His
first foals are two year olds this year.
Sass Go Blue has now won his last three races, including when he captured a maiden race on California Breeder’ Champions Night, July 27, by 1 1/2-lengths.
“Right there I knew we had something nice,” said Flores. “Now we’re here. He got it done in the trials with a big victory and now he’s won this final. This horse left the gate flying. That’s him—he can leave the gate.
We took the blinkers off this horse, and it’s really made wonders for him.”
Co-owner Steve Burns noted that Sass Go Blue “ran a big race” when second in his trial
164 SPEEDHORSE, November 2019
Sass Go Blue and Cruz Mendez are never headed in the $345,000 PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity-G2
Los Alamitos $345,000 • 350 yards :17.584 • si 95
Separatist
Seperate Interest
A Delightful Legacy
SASS GO BLUE, ‘17-g.
Valiant Hero
Sass Me Blue
Jess Sass Me
Sass Go Blue
RACING NEWS
Los Alamitos