Becky Holder and Can't Fire Me. Photo by Sally Spickard.
It’s all about the grays today in the Merial Intermediate and Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced divisions at the Nutrena American Eventing Championships, and Becky Holder turned in a positively lovely test aboard Can’t Fire Me to take the overnight lead with a 31.2.
Becky and “Teddy” have had a lighter year in 2014, originally aiming for Rolex but sidetracked when Becky injured her knee walking cross country at The Fork in April. Becky also mentioned in the press conference that Teddy still struggled with hoof regrowth since coming back from an injury last fall. Since then, the pair have a first place finish in the Intermediate at River Glen last month but have otherwise taken it easy on their way to Texas.
No ill effects were to be found this afternoon, as the pair effortlessly executed their test, looking quite relaxed and engaged. The Gold Cup final is now in Becky’s hands as the Advanced pairs look ahead to Capt. Mark Phillips cross country course tomorrow afternoon.
Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Also turning in a great looking test was Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF, who will take second place into tomorrow with a score of 32.5. Matt had a slight bobble in the extended canter but recovered nicely and was all business for the rest of his test. This is our first time seeing Super Socks in the flesh, and he definitely looked impressive and no worse for the wear after his long trek to get here. This pair is heading to the CCI3* at Fair Hill next.
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Defending champions Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch entered the arena with their game faces on and put in the solid test we’ve come to expect from them. They took the early lead with a score of 33.4, a couple of points higher than their score from 2013.
Laine informed us in the press conference this afternoon that she spent the night in the hospital last night with a mystery ailment that left her still feeling weak today. She said she was pleased with her test, although she is definitely feeling the effects of a less than ideal night. This pair will now look forward to the cross country course tomorrow, hopefully after a full night of sleep!
Buck Davidson and Petite Flower. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Buck Davidson and Petite Flower also looked spot on their game today. Flower is such an elegant mover and she really tries hard for Buck. Buck noted in a brief interview that he’s thrilled to be here in Texas again – we’re sure he was talking about the pseudo-vacation he’s taking with just two horses competing! This pair scored a 34.0 to sit in fourth place overnight.
Jon Holling and Zatopek B. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Jon Holling has both Zatopek B and Proper Timing in fifth and sixth, respectively, after putting in lovely tests on both. Proper Timing was the first horse in the ring for the Advanced division and really put in a solid effort. The Thoroughbred gelding is coming off of a 14th place finish in the CIC3* at Richland Park and looks primed to go for a top placing this weekend.
Go AECs!
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Becky Holder Post-Ride Interview:
Laine Ashker Post-Ride Interview:
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch:
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar:
