The 17th Running of the G1 United Nations
Saturday, July 23, 2022
MTH Race #4 $600.000
3+ 119/124 Lbs 13/8 Turf
Stakes/Track Record-2:11.06 (Anoush Command-2021)
The 17th running of the G1 United Nations will forever have two winners as Cinnamon Strike and King Que Niagra could not be separated after completing 11-furlongs in 2:11.88. This is the first DH in the race’s history and the winners each pocketed $240.000. Cinnamon Strike, trained by Smokey Stover, has now earned $778.000 with his 21-8-4-1 record. King Que Niagra, trained by D J C Racing Stables, ran his record to 29-7-4-4 with earnings of $1,276.600. Cinnamon Strike and King Que Niagra received 10 BC Turf points for their victory.
Cinnamon Strike and King Que Niagra started next to each other in the gate, and they were never separated by more than just over a length for the entirety of the G1 United Nations. The winners sat about four lengths off of a :47.88 opening half-mile with Cinnamon Strike in the two-path, just inside of King Que Niagra. The duo travelled together as they reduced their deficits to 3- and 3.5-lengths, respectively, with Cinnamon Strike closer to Last Way To The Beac as that runner completed three-quarters in 1:11.61.
Cinnamon Strike moved to three-wide as he engaged Last Way To The Beac and Nevada Silver while King Que Niagra was right off of his flank in the four-path when the mile was posted in 1:35.39. Cinnamon Strike appeared to get away at the top of the lane as he was able get about a length and a half away from King Que Niagra. Cinnamon Strike was emboldened on the lead; however, King Que Niagra was resolute in his own right. King Que Niagra drew even inside the final twenty yards, and may have gotten his nose in front nearing the wire. They hit the wire as one in the time of 2:11.88, and the photo sign was immediately illuminated. Finally, after much deliberation, the judges ruled that they could not separate Cinnamon Strike and King Que Niagra. Gendarmerie du Comte, who had traffic issues in upper stretch when it appeared he had to stifle his momentum, was a clear third, a half-length in front of Nevada Silver. Key Biscayne, Cadillac Jack, Last Way To The Beac, and Wave Goodbye completed the order of finish.
Congratulations to Cinnamon Strike/Smokey Stover and King Que Niagra/D J C Racing Stables on their victory in the G1 United Nations at MTH.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
