The winner's circle is quickly filling with the very happy Irish contingent as their mare, One Sky has fulfilled her role as favorite in the turf sprint. Hera's Sojourney was everything it was billed to be, one great race. In a race full of speed, the mare from North Carolina Near For Basque sped to the front as soon as the gates opened. Right on her heels was Nebraska's Bearly Shock, who I thought would have been the one leading at this point. Sleezy Cat, Turfstar's entry, was also right there with her early speed, and not far back was Deadly Ground, the 3 year old from Minnesota. But it was the late closing One Sky who prevailed for the Gold Medal! Also closing fast at the wire was the 3 year old filly from Sweden, Project Elocat picking up the Bronze Medal for Sweden. Near for Basque made the winner work for it as she maintained her speed right to the very end resulting in a great finish and a Silver Medal. Deadly Ground, was very game and hung on to be fourth and Sleezy Cat faded from her early placing to be fifth. One Sky is a five year old mare by Gone West out of a Nijinsky II mare This combination is fantastic with turf and speed as shown by this Gold Medal winner. Obviously this mare does not take after her owner, thank goodness, as she is no illbred. I see now that illbred and his Irish counterparts are off to celebrate their Gold Medal! Congratulations to all of the medal winners and participants. A very exciting day in Vermont indeed!! Well, I am off to celebrate my fifth place finish, which I am very excited about, and probably help the Irish drink some green beer.