Dodge This Link, a seven-year-old chestnut gelding, continued to prove his worth by securing a hat-trick of wins in the lead-off race of the 10-race card on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Under the guidance of trainer Ryan Darby and the adept riding of jockey Raddesh Roman, Dodge This Link triumphed in the three-year-old and up Claiming ($750,000-$600,000) category, sprinting across 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) and seizing victory by a head with a finish time of 1:23.4 (23.0 x 48.1).
Exiting the starting gate in excellent condition, Dodge This Link immediately took up the chase in second position behind the swift Simba The Lion (Christopher Douglas), with a chasing pack including Alexa's Lodge (Jordan Barrett), Secret Traveller (Phillip Parchment), and Exotic Light (Jerome Innis) in close pursuit.
Maintaining a strong pace throughout, Dodge This Link took command after the half-mile marker and surged ahead. Despite showing signs of fatigue in the closing stages, he managed to fend off the late charge from Exotic Light, crossing the finish line with a narrow lead. Secret Traveller completed the top three placements in what was a riveting opening race.
