5/21/2022

  2  CD     The Louisville (GIII)

   $200.000    4yo&Up    1 1/2m   Turf      122lbs 

The Piano Man gets the job done again…  Billy Joel was content, sitting just behind the pace until they hit the backstretch, then it was time for the five year old gelding to move to the front and cruise to a one length victory in Saturday’s Louisville (GIII) at CD.  The ten time winner got under the wire in a quick 2:25.11 for the marathon mile and a half turf stakes.  Post time favorite Hollywood Capo settled for the runner-up spot, a neck better than the dead-heat between Raccoonimus Maximus and Afterburner. 

Billy Joel is a 5yo bay gelding by El Gran Broomstick – Steel Laffi, by Mistrooper, and he was bred in LA by Broken Spoke Stables.  Acquired by La Canada Racehorses, for $20.000, prior to his racing career getting underway, this was his second win of the season, both at the mile and a half distance.  As mentioned this was his tenth lifetime win from twenty-three starts and he now has earnings of $3,478.480.  Congrats to the Connections! 

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Firm            Time: :48³  1:12⁴  2:00²  2:25
$1 Exacta: 3 – 1 Paid 19.40         $1 Trifecta: 3 – 1 – 4 Paid 222.20, 3 – 1 – 7 Paid 27.50
Scratched: None

Billy Joel broke alertly, sitting just behind the pace, moved up leaving the clubhouse turn to take the lead, continued to lead from that point, won under no real pressure.  Hollywood Cap stalked the pace along the hedge, moved to 3p for the drive, best of rest.  Raccoonimus Maximus rated back well off of the pace while saving ground, moved to 3p for the drive, good late effort finishing on even terms for the third spot.  Afterburner wide trip, forwardly placed, out-kicked late ending on even terms for the third spot.  Andes was outrun.  Controller Power broke alertly, setting the pace through the clubhouse turn, tired.  Ghost Of Scotland  was never involved.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES