Fayette – (Grade lll)

Purse $350.00 – For Three Year Olds And Upward

1 1/8 Miles – Dirt

Keeneland – October 24, 2026

At double-digit odds, Mr Monarch and jockey Gerardo Corrales sat the perfect trip from off the pace to score in the 22nd edition of the Fayette! This son of Brave Monarch added his second graded stakes win to his résumé since switching barns back in May. It’s safe to say this $40.00 claimer is paying some dividends! Mr Monarch’s earnings now sit at $464.55, through twenty two career starts and eleven victories. Simmer Down Stable and jockey Gerardo Corrales visit the winner’s circle for the first time in the Fayette since the race’s inception in 2005. It’s worth pointing out that this six-year-old gelding has been the flag bearer for Simmer Down Stable this year as he is responsible for both of the barn’s graded stakes victories so far in 2026. Mr Monarch stopped the clock for the 1 ⅛-miles in 1:47.20, the second fastest time in Fayette history. What an effort this Ontario-bred put together—leading the field by three lengths passing the eighth pole! He is clearly at the top of his game. Congratulations to Simmer Down Stable on another eye-catching win!

Winner: Mr Monarch – (Simmer Down Stable, G. Corrales) Mr Monarch broke alertly and quickly established an early lead before Maymun moved up to take over rounding the first turn. He settled just inside that rival and remained about a length back through an opening half mile in 46.54. This gelding started to close the gap around the far turn, drawing alongside the pacesetter with just under three furlongs remaining. He regained command before turning for home and immediately began to put daylight between himself and the chasing pack. Mr Monarch’s advantage stretched beyond two lengths as the battle for the minor placings developed behind him. Power Grid and Cumberland Blue finished with interest, but Mr Monarch had enough left to keep them safely at bay. Well done!

Second Place: Power Grid – (The Sidley Stud, J R. Velazquez) Ended up settling seven lengths back early, trailing the field around the first turn. Power Grid and jockey John Velazquez got into a comfortable rhythm down the backside with a lot of ground to make up. He began reducing that deficit approaching the far turn but still had most of the field to pass when they straightened for home. Power Grid swung widest of all for the drive and started picking off rivals as his momentum built. His strongest work came inside the final furlong as he swept into contention for the minor placings. Mr Monarch was already beyond his reach, but this gelding continued closing with every stride. The West Virginia-bred caught Cumberland Blue in the final jumps to narrowly secure second after making up tons of ground.

Third Place: Cumberland Blue – (Jerry Garcia Racing, R M. Hernandez) The post time favorite settled toward the rear leaving the gate and raced about four lengths off the early lead. He gained a few positions around the first turn before taking his place in midpack down the backstretch. Cumberland Blue remained well within striking distance around the far turn and still had several rivals ahead when they straightened for home. His closing kick gathered momentum down the stretch as he surged past the chasing group to claim second inside the final 1/8. This colt continued cutting into Mr Monarch’s advantage while Power Grid was closing farther out on the track. The pair battled for runner-up honors through the final strides with Cumberland Blue narrowly losing that decision to finish third. Not bad for facing olders.

Fourth Place: Cheap Ways – (Mb Stables, L. Saez) Cheap Ways broke fine from post six and occupied a midpack position through the opening furlong. He lost a few places as the field sorted itself out and reached the backstretch in ninth, about four lengths off the leaders. The deficit grew to nearly five lengths while the leaders continued to dictate terms up front. The son of Cheap Delight began edging closer around the far turn but still had plenty to do approaching the stretch. Cheap Ways kept grinding away through the lane as several of the early contenders started to give ground. His rally lacked the finishing punch of Power Grid and Cumberland Blue, but carried him into the battle for fourth. He edged past Gymnast in the final strides to complete the superfecta with a nice late effort.

– AJM

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES