However, the track was sealed and it played quick in the time department all night, especially in the 10th and final race.
First Signing glided effortlessly over the track in the 10th race, an Optional Claiming event at 350 yards. Under jockey Debbie Freeman, First Signing managed to cross the finish in :17.450, knocking out the former track record for the distance held since 2002 by Hail Corona (:17.457).
Owned by Tinisha Cox of Sallisaw and trained by Guillermo Valdivia, First Signing seemed to make the record easily, appearing to be well within himself as far as the amount of energy he was outpouring to perform.
A 3-year-old Texas-bred gelding, First Signing is having a great Remington Park season with three victories and one third-place run from four starts.
The fans were in tune with First Signing's ability as they made him the 4-5 wagering favorite. He paid $3.80 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.20 to show. The score was the fifth from 12 career starts for First Signing, a gelding by Streaking La Jolla from The Signature mare Secret Signing.
In other happenings on Thursday at Remington Park, leading jockey G.R. Carter won two more races to push his season total to 83. The Pawhuska native now needs just one to match his own record for wins in a season to 84 and two will set the new mark.
Carter set the American Quarter Horse/Mixed Breed season mark for wins in 2001 with 84.
