With 37 entries, Anderson Lima of Mexico set a course that only seven managed to ride without error –and only one rode both rounds with no faults at all.
“I thought it was a really nice course by Anderson because it was not too big, but all the fences came down and it was very technical,” said the winner, Azcarraga.
A number of the jumps on course did cause challenges – elements in the two-stride combination at 4ab came down seven times; the Equine Insurance plank jump, obstacle 5, was lowered five times; and rails dropped at one or more jumps in the triple combination, 7abc, 24 times. The last jump, a large oxer set at an angle away from the in-gate, took its toll for eight riders in the first round.
“I heard that they had a very nice and tough course last week so I decided to go for a more technical course,” said Lima. “A lot of big verticals. I was expecting between seven to nine clears. We got seven clears so I am happy.”
Six of the seven skilled show jumpers who mastered the track in the first round, had faults in the jump-off. First to return, John Perez on Utopia had a blazing time, and even with four faults, held the lead through the next five rides. Two rails came down for Jamie Barge and Lasse, putting them seventh overall. Danielle Korsh took a conservative route on San Diego, and with four faults finished fifth. A rail fell for Peter Petschenig and Saint Quentin, who took a slightly speedier track than Korsh, and finished in fourth place. Francisco Pasquel rode Montejo to a good time but had an unfortunate eight faults for sixth. Alejandro Vizcaino made a great attempt to take the lead on ZZ Top but also had a rail, stopping the clock just .19 seconds slower than Perez, good enough for third.It was the enviable last to go position that took the top prize today. Jaime Azcarraga knew all he had to do was to be clean within the time allowed for the win. Doing exactly that, he guided Anton to a smooth and fault free jump-off.
“I just got Anton three months ago — we have only done three grand prix classes together and are getting along very well,” said Azcarraga of his new mount.
As a parting comment he said, “Unfortunately this is my last week in California. I will try to come back next year, I love it here.”
MORE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/08B_Blen
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