Gold Rush IV
Saturday April 26, 2003

$200,000 CTBA Melair Stakes
BARTOK'S BLITHE

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2003) -- Bartok's Blithe, outrun early, closed furiously through the stretch to take a three-quarter length victory over Princess V. in the $200,000 CTBA Melair Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on California Gold Rush Day Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Bartok's Blithe is by Bartok, the first foal out of the Roanoke mare Merry Krisoke, and was bred by Morry Cohen. It was only Bartok's Blithe's second win in seven races, the $120,000 first prize boosting her career earnings to $185,616. She previously had finished fourth in the Grade III Landaluce Stakes, then was sidelined for eight months. This was her third start back from the break.

The 5-2 second choice, Bartok's Blithe is owned by 5C Racing Stable. The win was trainer Jorge Gutierrez's first in a stakes. Victor Espinoza was in the saddle for his second win on the card.

In her first try around two turns, Bartok's Blithe ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.87. She was coming off a second in a Mar. 30 allowance race, won by Princess V.

Fatal Caper was third. Run Rebecca Run was pulled up on the backstretch and vanned off.

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