Bank Robber delivered an impressive performance in Friday’s $135.000 Runyon Stakes, capturing the seven-furlong test for three-year-old New York-Bred colts and geldings at Aqueduct in authoritative fashion. The bay gelding by Great State had shown tremendous promise with his recent allowance victory at Aqueduct, posting an eye-catching 98 speed figure that suggested he was ready for the stakes level. Racing for owner Our Athletes with Jose Lezcano in the saddle, Bank Robber demonstrated tactical brilliance and a powerful finishing kick, stalking the pace before unleashing a decisive move in the stretch to secure his first stakes victory on a fast main track. The triumph marked his third consecutive win and established him as a legitimate contender in the New York-Bred three-year-old male division, validating connections’ patient approach with the talented gelding after his maiden victory on turf in December.

Flow & Calls

As the gates opened for the Runyon Stakes, Political Asylum broke alertly to establish early positioning through an opening quarter mile in :23 seconds. The Lecomte Stakes runner-up showed surprising gate speed as Ellingwood sent him to the front. Belgian Connection settled into second position under Navarro’s handling, tracking the leader from close range. Very Strange raced in third, with Resurgent also showing tactical speed to position himself prominently in the early stages. Apokalips settled into mid-pack from his second post position, while Mitchell, the 124-pound high weight, found a comfortable tracking position under Vargas’ confident handling. Bank Robber broke well and settled into stalking position under Lezcano’s patient handling. Pompeii raced in the second flight, while Star American brought up the rear in the early going.

Through the half-mile in :46.2 seconds, Political Asylum continued to show the way under Ellingwood, setting honest fractions while maintaining his advantage. Belgian Connection remained in closest pursuit, tracking the leader from second position. Very Strange held third, racing within striking distance of the front-runners. Bank Robber improved his position steadily, moving into contention under Lezcano’s patient handling. Resurgent maintained his position in the second division, while Mitchell began to advance from mid-pack. Apokalips stayed within range of the leaders, and Pompeii held his position in the second flight. Star American continued to trail the field through the middle stages.

Approaching the stretch after six furlongs in 1:10.1 seconds, the race developed into a thrilling battle for supremacy as the field bunched for the stretch drive. Political Asylum maintained a narrow advantage as Ellingwood asked him for his best effort, but the field was closing rapidly. Belgian Connection moved up to challenge from second, while Bank Robber loomed ominously with a powerful move from stalking position. Very Strange remained in contention, and Resurgent launched a strong bid from the second division. Mitchell stayed within striking distance, while Apokalips looked to improve his position. Pompeii made steady progress, and Star American found himself outrun by the front-runners.

In the final furlong, Bank Robber displayed a devastating turn of foot under Lezcano’s confident handling, surging past the leaders to take command and opening up by two lengths at the wire. The gelding dug in gamely and drew clear in impressive fashion. Very Strange closed powerfully from his stalking position, getting up for second by one length. Resurgent rallied steadily to secure third. Mitchell held fourth after his prominent early position. Apokalips stayed on for fifth, just a nose behind. Political Asylum faded after his pace-setting effort to finish sixth, another nose back. Pompeii completed the course in seventh. Star American finished eighth. Belgian Connection disappointed as one of the favorites, finishing ninth after racing prominently through the early stages.

Each Runner Mentioned

Bank Robber delivered the performance of his career, demonstrating tactical brilliance and a powerful finishing kick to capture the Runyon Stakes and earn his first stakes victory. The bay gelding by Great State out of Kitty Bank was bred by Our Athletes in New York and is owned by Our Athletes. With lifetime earnings now standing at $146.280 from four career starts that include three victories and one third, Bank Robber has established himself as one of the top New York-Bred three-year-old males in training. His pedigree combines the versatility of Great State with solid stamina influences in his female family, creating a talented runner capable of competing at the highest levels of New York-Bred competition. His proven effectiveness at seven furlongs with consecutive victories and impressive speed figures makes him an intriguing prospect as the New York-Bred stakes season continues.

Very Strange ran an excellent race in defeat, closing powerfully from his stalking position to secure second by one length. His effort confirmed his progression through the ranks and suggests continued success at the stakes level.

Resurgent rallied steadily to secure third place, demonstrating improvement after his disappointing efforts at route distances and confirming that the cutback to seven furlongs suited him better.

Mitchell held fourth after racing prominently throughout, though his effort as the high weight carrying 124 pounds raised questions about whether the weight penalty affected his performance.

Apokalips stayed on for fifth in his stakes debut, gaining valuable experience at this level after his recent maiden victory.

Political Asylum endured a disappointing sixth-place finish after his pace-setting effort, fading badly in the stretch and suggesting he preferred route distances.

Pompeii finished seventh in his stakes debut, the significant step up in class from maiden company proving overwhelming for the recent maiden winner.

Star American completed the course in eighth, never threatening the leaders in this competitive stakes assignment.

Belgian Connection suffered a stunning defeat as one of the favorites in ninth, his effort raising serious questions about his current condition.

Track: Fast
Time: :23  :46²  1:10¹  1:21³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 8 – 5 Paid 54.90
$1 Trifecta: 8 – 5 – 1 Paid 412.20

Scratched: None

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded