Defending champion Once In A Blu Boon captured the Cattlemen’s Classic in Graham, Tex., on Wednesday, March 5, with 225 under James Payne, for Charlotte Farms, Rosston, Tex. While Red Boon Rey won the Cattlemen’s Derby on Thursday, with 221 points for owner and trainer Tate Bennett, Hereford, Tex. Both horses are sired by Peptoboonsmal.
Smart Stylish Cat, by WR This Cats Smart, claimed 220 points and the Classic reserve title with Matt Miller, for Cynthia Villa, Reno, Nev. Short Drive, by Hydrive Cat, was Derby reserve champion with 220.5 points under Michael Cooper, for Rose Valley Ranch, Weatherford, Tex.
Six-year-old Once In A Blu Boon, winner of the 2103 Cattlemen’s Classic, collected $13,500 for this year’s win, which boosted his lifetime earnings to $202,284. Five-year-old Smart Stylish Cat nearly quadrupled her previous earnings with a $11,992 check for second. Her previous limited age event earnings came as a finalist (11th) in the 2103 Cotton Stakes.
Five-year-old geldings I Spot, by Starlights Gypsy, and Desire A Lil Pepto, by Sweet Lil Pepto, tied for third place in the Classic, with 218 points. I Spot was shown for Rocking MK Farm, Weatherford, Tex., by Tony Piggott; Lee Francois was aboard Desire A Lil Pepto for Reagan Lancaster, Pilot Point, Tex.
Derby winner Red Boon Rey, an Open and Open Ltd. NCHA Futurity finalist with Bennett, has a career earnings of $62,792, while reserve champion Short Drive earned her first check ($11,724) as a limited age competitor.
Two Smart A Cat, by WR This Cats Smart, and Wise Kat, by Cat N The Hat, tied with 218 points for third place in the Derby. Two Smart A Cat was shown by R.L. Chartier, for Ron Bailey, Alberta, Canada. Wise Kat was ridden by John Mitchell, for Nelson Knight, Weatherford, Tex.
For complete results and breeding lines, click here.