Durham Cup Stakes – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $150.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Gentile ll Buono, trained by Sc Lanciano
Well we all knew a three year old would win this race and i guess on work times and the last start this one had as much right as any of them. I must admit though i didnt see such an easy win on the cards and the way this vastly improved son of El Gran Broomstick toyed with the opposition was impressive. Up on the speed he was soon in control and was never really challenged to record a two length win. Add this win to his last start and then compare that to a seven length last in a little allowance in June and we have the great HRP super improver and he should be followed until finding his limit.

2nd Pinnacle West, trained by Tiratzo
You would think a horse than has finished close up in a group of graded stakes this year could beat a three year old with no graded stakes form at all but the three pounds coupled with the freakish overnight improvements that horses can make here all came together to give poor old Pinnacle West a sixth money finish in graded class this year but still no wins. In the stalk from the start he pretty much chased the winner after about three furlongs and could make no impression.

3rd Indy Harmony, trained by Mb Stables
Three wins in a row in lesser company could not help this three year old as he made no impression on the first two who dictated the pace. This wasnt a terrible effort but the decision to take him back from the wide gate was a bad one and he was never really able to make an impression on the first two.

4th Through The Tulips, trained by Yahudi Stables
Never really got into the race and kept on at the one pace for the last paycheck.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES