Final Mesa blitzes rivals in Old Hat

Final Mesa returned $7.60, $5.20 and $3, while Pomeroys Pistol gave back

$22.20 and $5.40 and capped the $146 exacta. Roxy Gap returned $2.20 and

completed the trifecta worth $437.80. The 3-4-6-2 superfecta paid $1,307.20.

Final Mesa was accustomed to winning by large margins early in her career.

After a 7 1/2-length maiden score at Keeneland going 4 1/2 furlongs, Final Mesa

moved to dirt to win the Polly Drummond S. at Delaware Park by 4 3/4 lengths,

then took the My Dear S. by 7 3/4 lengths over Woodbine's Polytrack. Favored for

a fourth straight time in the August 6 Sorrento S. (G3) at Del Mar, Final Mesa

wilted through the stretch to finish sixth, beaten seven lengths, in her first

trip west. This score, achieved after a five-month break, elevated her career

earnings to $202,377.

Bred in New York by Carmine Telesca and John Guerrera, Final Mesa was a

$72,000 yearling purchase at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. Produced by the unraced

Final Style (Smart Style), Final Mesa is a half-sister to Grade 3 victor Uncle

Cammie (Abaginone), the juvenile colt Final Stride (Andromeda's Hero) and a

yearling filly by Posse.

Final Mesa's fourth dam was The Bride (Bold Ruler), whom the Phipps family

"won" in the famous coin flip instead of her full brother Secretariat and

proceeded to go unplaced in four career starts. Among The Bride's descendents

are multiple Japanese champion filly Nishino Flower (Majestic Light), Grade 1

winner Personal Business (Private Account), multiple Grade 2 winner Any Limit

(Limit Out) and Grade 3 scorer In Conference (Dayjur).