Super Stakes Finals

The 2013 Super Stakes are in the books and here are a few quick observations from the finals:
Tough cows as always, but the two bunches in the finals had most contestants just trying to survive. You didn't really see many of those descisive and agressive cuts you are used to at this level as the cows just wouldn't let you.

Hes A Hot Cat

Wes Galyean & Hes A Hot Cat (Spots Hot-Cassies Kit Cat) drew 5th in the 1st set and worked his three cows to a 219 to bring home the championship. Especially the last two cows earned him the win and the horse looked great. Wes had three horses in the final and ended up 4th (Lil Rattler 216.5) and tied 5th (Tattoos On This Town 216)

1st out in the 1st set was Boyd Rice on Center Ranch's CR First Tuff (Woody Be Tuff-Dees Cats Meow) a horse whose horn I've been tooting since the futurity. Boyd started out really careful and eased his way in there for his first cut. The cow he ended up cutting didn't do much for him though and it really stunk. Boyd described it afterwards as a "pretty sad critter". The following two gave CR First Tuff a bit more of a challenge though and he was able to show off some of his signature strength, quickness and athletic ability. Those last two recovered some of the ground lost on the first and Boyd ended up scoring a 217, eventually good enough for 3rd place with great assistance from the entire Rice family.

CR First Tuff & Boyd Rice

CR First Tuff & Halee

Tatum, Boyd & Tarin

Finishing the 1st set was James Payne on Quick Be A Cat (HBC-Zack Be Quick). James horse looked really good and it was a pleasure watching. Lots and lots of working time and the run finally netted a 217.5 and a reserve championship.

Quick Be A Cat

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The day started out with the Non Pro finals. As in the open, the cows were pretty difficult to master and it also ended up a low scoring affair. Ray Baldwin of Waco Bend Ranch walked to the herd as 20th and final contestant on his Shesa Hollywoodcat. A pretty solid run with solid support and coaching from Phil Rapp earned Ray the NP championship scoring a 216.5.

Ray Baldwin & Phil Rapp

Shesa Hollywoodcat