There were four graded stakes races conducted at Calder Race Course in Miami on Saturday as part of their "Grand Slam II" promotion, two each on the main track and the turf course. The most prestigious of the main track events is the $100,000 Fred W. Hooper Handicap (G3) for older horses going 1 1/8 miles. Carl Rose Classic winner Electrify was sent off as the 5-2 favorite, with the runner-up in that race, Imawildandcrazyguy, the 9-2 second choice. Jackie Wackie Stakes winner Golden Strategy was the 5-1 third choice, returning to the main track after finishing 11th in the Red Smith on the turf last out.
Golden Strategy and Pop Goes The Tiger contested the early pace of 23.54, 47.80, and 1:12.87 over the fast main track but the early speed duel finished off both competitors, setting the race up for the late runners. Electrify, sixth down the backstretch, passed the tiring pacesetters on the turn and opened up a 2 length lead in mid-stretch, getting the mile in 1:39.18. He widened his lead late to win by 2 3/4 lengths over late-running Summer Book, completing the 9 furlong trip in 1:52.56. It was another 1/2 a length back to another closer, Imawildandcrazyguy in third.
Results chart
Also on the card were the W.L. McKnight and La Prevoyante Handicaps
