Was it global warming or was it the action at Will Rogers Coliseum that caused temperatures to rise yesterday in Fort Worth, as 130 horses contended for the Super Stakes Classic Open finals? Smart Kitty RG, ridden by Boyd Rice, topped the day with 222 points, which was also the high score from both go-rounds.

Special Nu Kitty, shown by R.L. Chartier, posted the high cumulative of 439 points from both go-rounds, and was one of three horses to score 220 points.

“You really can’t go out for a soft, clean run on her,” said Chartier, who rides the High Brow Cat daughter for Wrigley Ranches, Weatherford, TX. “She gives all she’s got every time. You couldn’t ask for anything more from her.”

The 6-year-old mare, trained by Clint Allen, earned 227 points in the first go-round of the 2007 NCHA Futurity, a go-round record in Fort Worth. Special Nu Kitty is a half-sister to Special Nu Baby, a top contender in today’s Super Stakes second go-round with Matt Gaines.

Smart Kitty RG was one of three horses that Boyd Rice qualified for the Super Stakes Classic f inals, including 2009 NCHA Super Stakes and Derby champion, Third Cutting with 437 points, and Peptos Stylish Sue with 433.5.

“Those cows were a little bit quick feeling, but I knew that mare could handle it,” said Rice, of the 2008 NCHA Futurity Open reserve champion. “I got all three of them cut perfect. The night before, she was trying to do it, but I just didn’t get the cattle cut.”

Al Poocino, under Paul Hansma, and Athena Nuff, with Brad Mitchell, also scored 220 points in the second go-round. Both horses were bred and are owned by their riders. Al Poocino, a gelding by Dual Pep, is six; Athena Nuff, an Athena Puddy Cat daughter, is five.

“I was dead last in the first go-round and my first cow was horrible,” said Mitchell, who drew second to work in yesterday’s fifth set. “Today (the order was flipped) and the results were much
better.”

Hansma also qualified for the finals with Cats Little Tank, owned by Dub and Christy Leeth.