Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Intendto's Majesty Scores Upset in American National

July 23, 2005

Intendto's Majesty scores an upset in Saturday American
National Stake at Balmoral. Sam Widger was in the bike.

James Shoffner’s Intendto’s Majesty ($32.20) pulled off a surprise in Saturday night’s $88,000 American National Two-Year-Old Final for pacing colts and did it in front end fashion. Sam Widger guided the 15-1 longshot a head decision over AB’s Beach Boy in 1:54 flat at Balmoral Park. The 7-10 favorite Winslow Gambler (Andy Miller) left from the pole position but broke in the first turn and Widger took advantage of the situation with the Indiana bred winner, grabbing a quick lead from the two-slot. Intendto’s Majesty took the field to: 28 first quarter and when unchallenged, Widger was able to back his young pacer down to a :57.1 first half.

Jate Daniels (Mark O’Mara) came first up from the 10-hole and was outside of the leader through the middle quarters. Intendto’s Majesty stepped it up a notch with a :27.3 third quarter. AB’s Beach Boy meanwhile was enjoying a pocket trip and when Morgan found room on the inside in the stretch it appeared his horse was going to pass the leader but Intendto’s Majesty dug in and notched his second victory in three career starts.

Jate Daniels held on for third, beaten one and three-quarter lengths in the fifth race feature.

Intendto’s Majesty won his July 5 debut in an $8,000 Indiana Sire Stake at Indiana Downs. Last Saturday he finished third in his American National elimination.

“He’s a first baby home bred that we raised on the farm in Indiana,” said trainer Clarence Shoffner. “We raced is dam Intendto and we bred her to His Mattjesty. My son (James) got the baby.

“When Intendto’s Majesty was a weanling and we started working him with other horses he just seemed to fit in,” said James. “The horse loved the barn. He loved the track. Instead of biting and playing around he wanted to go out and race. He was just a natural.

“We’ve brought him around slowly and held him back some,” continued the LaPorte, Indiana owner. “He’s still learning. I thought he raced well last week in the elimination and tonight when the favorite broke, the whole race changed and Sam (Widger) took advantage it”

Gold Dust Beach (Jason Dillander) also used front-end tactics when he won the $37,500 American National elimination for three-year-old pacing colts one race later in 1:52.4. The pocket horse American Fury was second, a half-length behind. It was two more lengths to the 2-1 favorite Mandala Quest, who finished third.

Also gaining next Saturday night’s $250,000 showdown were the fourth through seventh place finishers Cheyenne Bodie, Chevie Cash, Odds On Peeeete and Hawaiian Hunk. They’ll join Stonebridge Regal, Team Hutch and Odds On Duane, who drew byes into the final based on the highest season earnings among the 13 horses entered for the American National stake.