SKYLINE LOVER MOVES LATE TO WIN SLM BIG DADDY STAKES

OKLAHOMA CITY – March 12, 2011 - A late rally over the final 200 yards propelled Skyline Lover to his sixth consecutive win as he scored in his Remington Park debut Saturday night to take the $50,000 SLM Big Daddy Stakes.

Owned by Dan Frazier of Paris, Ky. and trained by Clint Crawford, Skyline Love was ridden to victory by J.D. Mitchener. The 5-year-old gelding once again proved his long stretch running ability, moving from just off the lead early in the race to win the 550-yard SLM Big Daddy Stakes by a half-length in :26.656 seconds over a fast track.

All six wins in Skyline Lover’s streak have taken place in stakes events at distances between 440 and 1,000 yards. The SLM Big Daddy is the richest race in the streak.

Favorite Cartel jumped out to a quick lead from the staring gate but the 8-5 wagering favorite could not maintain his run. Skyline Lover took over in the latter stages and had plenty left to fend off a late charge from Vital Winner who captured second, finishing a length ahead of Favorite Cartel.

“He had something to run at and when he saw them he just dug in and away he went,” Mitchener said of his mount. “He’s just an awesome athlete. I caught Vital Winner out of the corner of my eye right at the wire but I knew we had him.”

At 7-2 in the wagering Skyline Lover paid $9.40 to win, $5.80 to place and $4 to show. Vital Winner returned $3.80 to place and $3 to show. Favorite Cartel paid $3.20 to show.

Bred in Texas by James Burgess, Skyline Lover is a gelding by Feature Mr Jess from the Royal Quick Dash mare Loves That Gold. His SLM Big Daddy Stakes win is his 11th overall from 25 lifetime starts. The $30,000 winner’s share boosts his career bankroll to $213,169.

The SLM Big Daddy Stakes is named after the multiple Remington Park stakes winner of the late 1990s who went on to millionaire status and was named the American Quarter Horse Association World Champion in 1997 and 1998.

Live racing continues Sunday afternoon with 12 races set begin at 1:30pm.

Open daily at 10am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park also features Henry Hudson’s on the first floor, which opens for lunch at 11am. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.

Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com .