Favorites Blue Guy and Lunar Blaze went to post as the first and second choices and did not disappoint. Lunar Blaze (John Henry) changed hands twice in 2016 for a grand total of $1,750.00 after a string of five stakes wins in a row. Since then he had not been back to the winner’s circle in four attempts, although he did finish second in three of them. Blue Guy, on the other hand, has raced for Grimley since January of last year. His record isn’t nearly as impressive as multi-millionaire Lunar Blaze, but none of that mattered Saturday when the gates opened on the inaugural Poseidon.

The two favorites went for the lead immediately. By the time they reached the clubhouse turn, Blue Guy was in front by almost a length. On the turn, he opened up by two lengths, but Lunar Blaze took up the challenge and drew within a length as they straightened up on the backstretch.

Midway on the backstretch it was still Blue Guy by a length over Lunar Blaze.  A One sat 2 ½ lengths off the lead with Democrat Politician another 1 ½ lengths back in fourth with Resolute Jesse just to his inside and Rapid Refund 2 lengths behind them.

At the head of the stretch, Rapid Refund came off the rail to make his move from the back of the pack. Blue Guy started opening up on the lead by nearly 2 lengths. A One pressed Lunar Blaze for second, drawing to within 1/2 length.

With a sixteenth of a mile to run, Lunar Blaze on the inside and A One on the outside cut the lead to a length and ran stride for stride in second. Rapid Refund came flying on the outside but he couldn’t catch the leaders who hit the wire together in a thrilling conclusion.

It was Blue Guy by a neck over Lunar Blaze in his first win since the TAM Derby in March. The win, only his third, boosted his career earnings to $716.000.

Order of Finish:

Blue Guy (Grimley) –  Wired the field to win by a neck.

Lunar Blaze (John Henry) – Stalked the pace throughout but came up a little short at the wire.

A One (Eastern Equine) – Big effort, couldn’t get past the leaders and had to settle for third

Rapid Refund (Grimley) – Launched a big drive from last but too little too late.

Democrat Politician (Kopites) and Resolute Jesse (Mb Stables) were never a factor.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded