BANKAS BRAT FIRST STAKES WINNER FOR EASY FIRST DOWN

COURTESY OF STALLIONESEARCH.COM AND LOS ALAMITOS.COM


Bankas Brat Wins La Palma Handicap


LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA—SEPTEMBER 30, 2007—Bankas Brat gave the late stallion Easy First Down his first Los Alamitos stakes winner after defeating a solid group in the 550-yard La Palma Overnight Handicap on Sunday.

Breaking from post three with Ramon Guce in the irons, Bankas Brat led every step of the way on the way a solid time of :26.80. The effort earned the veteran 5-year-old gelding a 101-speed index.

Easy First Down, who passed prematurely a couple of years ago at owner Sylvia Binford's ranch in Castroville, Texas, is the sire of several stakes placed runners. A winner of five races and $71,362, Easy First Down was a finalist in Royal Quick Dash's All American Futurity and was fourth in the Grade 2 West Texas Derby.

"He was a nice stallion," Binford recalled. "I believe that Bankas Brat is probably the first Easy First Down baby to ever run at Los Alamitos. His sons and daughters usually stayed in Texas and in the surrounding area but it's nice to hear that Bankas Brat has done well in California."

Owned by F.S. Howard, Bankas Brat was claimed for $16,000 on April 5 of this year by trainer Charles Treece. The R.L. Harrison-bred runner has finished in the top two in five of six starts for his new connections, twice winning for $16,000 before his victory at odds of 4-1 in the La Palma.

Bred in Idaho, Bankas Brat improved his career record to 19 wins from 46 starts after defeating Jess Maganette by a head. Royal Bridlewood, who came into this race having won the 550-yard Scott Lewis Handicap in his last start, finished third. Bankas Brat earned $9,900 to take his career earnings to $60,482.

Owned by James Markum, Jess Maganette went over the $50,000 mark in earnings after picking up a check for $4,050 in this race. The Mr Jess Perry mare, which has now made $50,431, ran in the Ruidoso and Rainbow derbies last year. A Fortunate Son, Yo Da Man, Rumor Control and Splashn Joe followed the top three finishers.