By Bill Finley
The Davis clan dominated Sunday's second race at Saratoga as members of the family swept the first four spots under the wire for a “Davis superfecta.”
Katie Davis rode the winner of thee $30,000 maiden claimer, Danny Gargan-trainee Bon Adieu (Ghostzapper), finishing seven lengths ahead of Mim (Practical Joke), ridden by her brother Dylan. Embraceable Gal (Midnight Lute) was next and was ridden by Trevor McCarthy, who is Katie Davis's husband. Sweet Liberty (Bellamy Road) was fourth and was ridden by Jackie Davis, the sister of Katie and Dylan. The all Davis superfecta paid $26.35 for a 10-cent wager.
Katie, Dylan and Jackie are the offspring of retired jockey Robbie Davis.
“I looked at the screen because Danny (Gargan) said look at the superfecta, it was all four of you,” Katie said. “I was waiting for this moment. We made history again and it was really nice to beat Dylan this time. I looked back and thought here he comes, I've got to ride harder.”
“I was really happy for all of us,” said Jackie Davis. “I thought it was really cool. During the race we were all trying to beat one another. Afterward, we were laughing. When my horse started getting tired, I was watching Dylan and Katie's horses go forward and I didn't know who to root for. Everybody was really excited after it was over. This was amazing.”
Katie Davis has had seven winners at the meet.
“It all comes down to having a lot of support,” she said. “I'm lucky enough that I'm doing well and I keep it going. I never thought it would be like this. It's a great surprise and I am running with it. It's very special.”
This is the first Saratoga meet where all four members of the family have been regular members of the jockey colony. Still another Davis, Eddie, works for Bill Mott and is the regular exercise rider of Cody's Wish (Curlin).
There could be some more Davis magic Monday. In the eleventh race, Katie will ride Mugsy Fury (Big Brown) for her father, who is now a trainer.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.