Arctic Ocean OBS Championship Winner

January 27, 2015

By Michael Compton, The Blood Horse, edited

Lantern Hill bred Arctic Ocean parlayed a strong closing kick to take down the $60,000 top prize in the filly division of the OBS Championship Stakes.

Arctic Ocean raced toward the rear of the field early after breaking from the far outside in post position 12. The recipient of a patient ride from Rafael Hernandez, she ranged into contention with a three-wide rally into the stretch and raced as a team with Save Rock and Roll through the lane. Arctic Ocean dug in gamely late, fending off a stern challenge from Save Rock and Roll and jockey Joe Bravo to prevail by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:46.80.

Sold by David and Teresa Palmer's Winners Circle Thoroughbreds LLC for $33,000 at the 2014 OBS June sale, Arctic Ocean now boasts earnings of $125,340 for owners John Moirano, Nehoc Stables, and Alan Sokol.

"We're overwhelmed and very grateful" said Teresa Palmer, who also named the filly. "It is very rewarding to spend so much time with them and put so much of your heart and soul into everything. When you win a race like this, it makes it all worth it."

Arctic Ocean is a gray or roan daughter of Concord Point out of the Ocean Crest mare Silk Sails. She was bred in Kentucky by Lantern Hill Farm and chosen from our 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale consignment by the Palmers.

Race video link: http://obssales.com/OBSPAGES/2015RaceFour.m4vRead

More on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/89838/flashy-performances-at-obs-day-of-champions#ixzz3RM3wdiSY

Photo: Joseph DiOrio