There was an early scratch coming into the Grade 2 MTH cup so that left a field of 5 who entered the starting gates for this pre-race to the Haskell.   Prior to the gates opening up the bettors felt that Expect and Victory Meal were the danger horses in this race. When the gates opened up all the horses lined up early but then Teased from the outside post decided to take control of the pace and charged forward and pulled out to lead Victory Meal by ¾ of a length after the first 2 furlongs in a time of 23 an 2, with Expect sitting in a nice 3^rd place spot. 4 furlongs into the race the running order of the top 3 had went unchanged however they had taken closer order on Teased with Victory Meal ½ length behind on the inside and Expect 2 ½ lengths behind but hitting his best stride. The complexion of the race changed with 2.5 furlongs to go as there was a line of 3 across the track nose and nose battling for the lead. Expect had just pulled ahead and was on the outside with Victory Meal on the inside and Teased in-between. Christmas Damsel had hit his best stride and was in fourth but appeared he could be some danger to the leaders late. In the final 2 furlongs Expect just ran away from the field and hid and scored and easy victory. Christmas Damsel picked up the pieces and finished second and the early pace setter Teased held on and finished 3^rd. This as a visually impressive win for Expect in this Grade 2 race and owner MB Stables has to be thrilled with this victory.   Let’s take a look at the race breakdown and the payouts:

Track: Fast
Time: :23²  :46⁴  1:10⁴  1:41³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 3 – 1 Paid 13.80
$1 Trifecta: 3 – 1 – 6 Paid 101.00

Scratched: Blown And Left

Claimed:
None

Warbucks

Categories: Grade II