5/16/2020
12 PIM The Lang Stakes (GIII)
$200.000 3yo 6f 122lbs
The PIM strip was blazing fast for PRK Day and Iron Return made sure everyone knows he has the need… the need for speed. Getting home in a rapid 1:09.01, and took The Lang Stakes (GIII) by three-quarters of a length. Gothic Heart nabbed the second spot with Hang Around a half length back in third.
The field of eight loaded up and were away from the gate with Fracas getting away quickest of all, Iguacu Falls next to that one, Aggravated Sky was next, Iron Ruler and Gothic Heart from the rail, Aussie Steel from the far outside, Hang Around and Last Scout was the early trailer.
Down the backside and into the far turn, they made their way past the three-eighth’s pole and Iguacu Falls was in front by two lengths, Fracas giving chase to the inside of that one, Iron Return between horses with Gothic Heart skimming the rail. Another length to Aggravated Sky, then a gap back to Last Scout along the rail, Aussie Steel three wide and Hang Around between horses and the back marker.
Into the lane and nearing the furlong marker, four across the track with Iron Return up to take a half length lead. Iguacu Falls along the rail and fighting, Fracas four wide and a big chance, Gothic Heart along the inside and in striking distance, with the remainder needing to get going in short order.
Inside the final 150-yards and to the finish, this was all about Iron Return as he went under the wire in front by almost a length. Gothic Heart made a nice late run to take the second spot with Hang Around another half length back in third. Aussie Steel ran on late to take the forth spot with Fracas tiring to fifth, Aggravated Sky in sixth, pace setter Iguacu Falls tiring to seventh, and Last Scout closed this one out.
Iron Return is a 3yo bay gelded son of Zero Return – Iron Womann, by Iron Mann, and he was bred by LionKing Stables in Cal. Purchased after his Inaugural Stakes win for $200.000 by Alydar Stables, he now has back to back wins for this trainer, four wins from eleven lifetime starts and shows earnings of $458.600.
$2 Mutuel Prices:
| 2 – Iron Return | 10.20 | 5.60 | 2.90 |
| 1 – Gothic Heart | 5.30 | 3.20 | |
| 5 – Hang Around | 12.50 |
Track: Fast Time: :223 :452 :57 1:09
$1 Exacta: 2 – 1 Paid 11.70 $1 Trifecta: 2 – 1 – 5 Paid 189.00
Scratched: None
Iron Return sat just in behind the lead to the top of the lane, up to take over into the stretch, held all challenges at bay, won driving. Gothic Heart raced mid-pack while tracking the pace, good energy down the lane but could not get to the eventual winner. Hang Around taken back after the start, still well back turning for home, rallied, best effort too late. Aussie Steel lacked early interest, late action. Fracas broke alertly, tracked the pace, tired. Aggravated Sky even, no threat. Iguacu Falls broke alertly, set the pace to the lane, tried. Last Scout was outrun.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
