November 3, 2015
At the end of 1 ½ miles over the KEE main track, nothing could separate Russian Whisky and Swiss Bank Account and each shared a victory in the Grade II Marathon to kick off a big BC weekend of racing in Kentucky. A full field signed on and Greek Poet looked good into the lane but the closers ended up ruling the day with the six-year-old and three-year-old each taking a wide trip to the winner’s circle while earning a 96-speed rating for their efforts.
Outside speed came barreling around the first of three turns in the Marathon as Wine And Dine (7.90) and Greek Poet (3.55) used their positions to press forward early, with Ghouls Gold (10.85) decently into third. The inside speed dropped back early in this huge stamina test but Bold Pretender (19.65) did not and with an early rush, engaged Greek Poet up front under the line for the first time. The first half of the field marched two-by-two through the first split in 48.84 and everything remained status quo past six-furlongs in 1:13.58, with the added pressure on Greek Poet making him vulnerable to the closers. Bold Pretender started to back away as Wine And Dine looked to gather momentum and from the back of the pack, Steel Kelp (5.30) and Swiss Bank Account (6.70) looked dangerous if they could make a solid late run. As the field moved into the far turn, the leader was almost two-lengths to the good with Ghouls Gold moving inside and the closers moving outside and as everyone bunched up, it was tough to determine who would make the best late rush. At the head of the lane, everyone seemed to be staggering with Wine And Dine resurgent and Swiss Bank Account closing and with a furlong to go, it looked like the closers would deny favourite Greek Poet his first Graded Stakes win. Swiss Bank Account took the lead in the shadow of the wire as Steel Kelp stalled but from between horses, Russian Whisky (7.95) came with a menacing rush and on the line, nothing could separate the two and they finished jointly for the win with Steel Kelp a nose back in third. Greek Poet held well for the final cheque over Wine And Dine and Crossover (17.15), who finished in a dead-heat as well with Vegas Viper (8.65) rail-riding into midpack. Ghouls Gold dropped back, Lettucerocku (12.10) never got involved, Bold Pretender faded badly and Contract Killer (11.65) was outrun from start to finish and wound up double-digits behind the duel winners.
Swiss Bank Account and Russian Whisky used the same closing tactics to share victory in the Grade II Marathon at KEE but with only a 96-speed rating, and a final quarter-mile in more than 26-seconds, one has to wonder how much of a toll this will take out of them coming into similar races towards the end of the year. The Grade III Valedictory is a logical spot for them to end their season, as well as the HAW Gold Cup, but this race was grueling for all involved and how they come out of it will determine whether they can really step up in the Classic division next season.
Congratulations goes out to owners Running Farm and Threshold, who have co-winners of the Grade II Marathon at KEE in Russian Whisky and Swiss Bank Account!
Prediction Greek Poet / Crossover / Vegas Viper
Co-Winners Russian Whisky
Six-year-old bay gelding
Whisky Lit-Russia
Swiss Bank Account
Three-year-old bay colt
Take A Million-Swiss Art (Ironbound)
Winning Owners Running Farm & Threshold
Time 48.84, 1:13.58, 2:03.76, 2:30.09
Overall
Russian Whisky (DH) 7.95 far back, wide rally, up in time
Swiss Bank Account (DH) 6.70 sprinted late, lasted rivals, caught
Steel Kelp 5.30 held well late, could not press forward enough
Greek Poet *3.55 speed throughout, missed in final furlong
Wine And Dine (DH) 7.90 stalked, failed to menace
Crossover (DH) 17.15 even effort
Vegas Viper 8.65 rail ride throughout
Ghouls Gold 10.85 pressed, tired
Lettucerocku 12.10 no threat
Bold Pretender 19.65 brief speed, weakened badly
Contract Killer 11.65 outrun
Triple T Racing 🙂
Categories: BC 2015-17, THE BREEDERS CUP
