Trainer Veronica Griggs with Popfly Two Six, the first horse to step on the racetrack Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Remington Park, in preparation for the upcoming Thoroughbred Season.
Thoroughbreds arrived to the Remington Park stable area yesterday and this morning the main track opened for training as the pre-season is officially underway. Popfly Two Six was the first horse to the step on the track, out of the barn of trainer Veronica Griggs.
Cool temperatures in the low 60s greeted those going to the track this morning. Griggs determined Popfly Two Six was ready to begin the proceedings out of her barn.
“I sent him first because he’s a very happy camper and he needs to get out as soon as he can,” Griggs said. “He’ll start off hopefully in an Oklahoma-bred, non-two allowance, preferably but we’ll see what they have to offer. He’s a pretty nice gelding.”
Popfly Two Six graduated on May 31 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas in a maiden-claiming event at the $20,000-level going five furlongs over firm turf. An Oklahoma-bred 3-year-old, Popfly Two Six broke his maiden by one length while leading throughout as the wagering favorite at 6-5 odds. Never out of the money in three career starts with one second and one third to go with his lone victory, Popfly Two Six is by Notional from the Fistfite mare Everlastingly. He is owned by Carol Nelson of Mannford, Okla. and was bred by Clark Brewster.
Griggs, who lives in Jones, Okla., just east of Remington Park, won six races from 91 starters here in 2018. She has 123 career wins in Oklahoma City and is happy to return and stable a few miles from her residence. “It’s so great to be back home in Oklahoma. I’m so excited to be back.”
The 67-date Remington Park Thoroughbred Season runs from Aug. 23 to Dec. 15. The $175,000 Governor’s Cup for 3-year-olds and up going 1-1/8 miles will headline the Opening Night of racing.
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