7/31/2021

  9   SAR     The Vanderbilt Hcp (GI)

   $350.000      3yo&Up        6f   Dirt        Hcp Weights

We all knew The Vanderbilt Hcp (GI) was a closely matched group of sprinters... well the favorite was just north of 7/2 and the long-shot was 7/1, and only three lengths covered the field at the wire, so it was all true.  In the end, Maxmillion Farms' That Funky Monkey closed from well off of the pace and won a three horse photograph to take the victory and the lion's share of the $350.000 purse.  Post-time favorite Seven Towers tracked the lead throughout but settled for the second spot, nosing out Puppet Master who was third, with General Obvious taking the minor money.  The final running time was 1:08.48, just a few ticks off of the stakes record.

The field of seven were sent from the gate in good order with Awkward Tremor on the early lead, Puppet Master between horses, Seven Towers from the rail and Thundering Speed on the outside of that trio, then a gap back to That Funky Monkey skimming the rail, John Deere on the outside and General Obvious between them.

They made their way down the backside, now nearing the far turn with a half-mile to run, Awkward Tremor leading every step of the way, now in front by three, Puppet Master trying to give chase, another length and a half to Seven Towers still saving ground, Thundering Speed on the outside, another length and a half to That Funky Monkey, General Obvious on his flank and John Deere, now the back marker.

Around the far turn and to the top of the lane with three-sixteenths to travel, Awkward Tremor continuing to lead but Puppet Master had closed the gap down to three-quarters of a length, Seven Towers still hugging the rail, Thundering Speed down the center of the track with That Funky Monkey between them, General Obvious in behind that group and John Deere continued to trail.

Now inside the furlong marker and the complexion of this one was changing quickly as Awkward Tremor backed out of it... Puppet Master inherited the lead, but they were now coming after him, Seven Towers to the inside, General Obvious, That Funky Monkey and Thundering Speed from the outside... the race to the wire was on!

Deep stretch and to the finish, Puppet Master with the lead but That Funky Monkey now ranging up on the outside, Seven Towers from the inside, General Obvious closing in quickly... and as they hit the wire it was a blur of horses and silks, as the PHOTO sign went up on the infield tote-board.  After viewing the photograph, That Funky Monkey was shown to get the win by a head over Seven Towers, then a nose back to Puppet Master in third.  General Obvious was fourth, Thundering Speed fifth, Awkward Tremor tiring to be sixth and John Deere closed this one out. 

That Funky Monkey is a 4yo bay gelded son of Zero Return – You Aint Gon Like, by Seven Sevens, and he was bred by LionKing Stables in Cal.  Acquired by Maxmillion Farm via private purchase for $25.000 back in Nov of 2019, he now has five wins from eighteen starts, two of those victories coming this season, and he now shows lifetime earnings of $456.620.  Congrats to the connections!

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast               Time: :22²  :45   :56³  1:08²
$1 Exacta: 1 – 2 Paid 29.60        $1 Trifecta: 1 – 2 – 3 Paid 145.50
Scratched: None

That Funky Monkey patiently handled, moved forward down the lane, up in last strides, won driving.  Seven Towers showed good speed throughout, game effort.  Puppet Master tracked the pace, took over into the lane, out-kicked late.  General Obvious rated back off of the pace, some late action.  Thundering Speed raced evenly, out-finished.  Awkward Tremor was sent from the gate, lead to the furlong marker, tired.  John Deere was not a factor. 

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES