Aiken Trials Kicks off
South Carolina Racing Season

By BEN BAUGH

Nekia Farms' Cyberflash flashed his speed while wiring the field as the 8 year-old gelding won his second consecutive The City of Aiken Trophy during the 66th edition of the Aiken Trials. The son of Cyberspace cruised to victory winning by a devastating eight lengths. The bay gelding is conditioned by Steve Epley, Jr.

Stonerside Stable's Truly Lucky, a full sister to multiple stakes winner General Charley, won the First Trial, The Gaver Trophy, holding off the late charge of W.C. Freeman's Buck Sign, a daughter of Aiken-based stallion Buckhar. The filly was bred, foaled, broken and trained in Aiken.

Dogwood Stable's Kickapoo won the day's Second Trial The Coward Trophy. The son of Grade One winner Indian Charlie is conditioned by Ron Stevens, and will go to Eclipse Award winning trrainer Todd Pletcher.

Lansdon Robbins, III's Dagnabit came from off the pace to prevail at the wire to win The Post Trophy. The Ron Stevens charge is a full-brother to Bad Boy Rising, and will join the barn of trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr.

The Fourth Trial was the Pony Stable Race and Equestrian Farm's Jammin Syd took home The Iselin Hall of Fame Trophy. Alejandro Campos was in the irons on the winner.

Nekia Farm's Perfect Nekia won the day's Fifth Trial The Von Stade Trophy. The Steve Epley, Jr. charge won by three-lengths.