The field broke well. Phooeys Ideal and French Jackie took the lead under the wire for the first time. The field of six bunched together with the trailer, One More Moment, only a length from the leaders. Midway on the turn, Pentagon made a big move on the outside while French Jackie and Phooeys Ideal battled up front. Keep Silent and Reindeer were fading and seemed finished.
On the backstretch, Pentagon drew even with Phooeys Ideal just ½ length behind the leader, French Jackie. From there it looked like a three horse race. Pentagon caught French Jackie into the turn for home, but Phooeys Ideal continued to hang tough in third.
By the time they turned for home, Pentagon was on the lead and Keep Silent on the outside, with Reindeer on the inside, mounted a run at the leaders. Reindeer burst through a hole on the fence and Keep Silent surged into third with One More Moment, who had trailed the entire race, closing ground on the outside. French Jackie and Phooeys Ideal where done.
It was anybody’s race coming down to the wire with Reindeer taking the lead. One More Moment, Pentagon and Keep Silent were three across the track with the wire coming up fast. Reindeer and One More Moment hit the wire in a finish that was too close to call.
In the end, it was Reindeer by a nose for owner/breeder Triple T Racing. The longest shot on the board, Reindeer was 50-1 on the morning line. The 3-year-old colt has earned $221.290 in 14 career starts, but this was the biggest win of his career.
Order of Finish
Reindeer – Took advantage of an opening along the rail to go from fifth to first in 1/16th mile and just edge out One More Moment at the wire.
One More Moment – Trailed throughout, then made a big move in the stretch to come up a nose short for second.
Pentagon – Made a big move on the backstretch and took the lead briefly but couldn’t hold it.
Keep Silent – Ended a four face winning streak with a lackluster performance.
French Jackie and Phoeeys Ideal – challenged each other for the lead until deep stretch when they faded to 5th and 6th.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
