5/30/22

  9  LS   Sexton Mile (GII)

$400.000   3yo&Up    1m Dirt    3yo 116 lbs  Older 122lbs

It was chalky, but nailed it!  Gran Z keeps Maxmillion Farm’s hot hand going, closing from well off of the pace and getting up late for a half length victory in the Sexton Mile (GIII) at LS on Monday evening.  Real One, owned by Nakamura Stables, tried to make a go of it, taking the lead in the lane, but settled for the second spot.  It was another quarter length to long-shot Dancehall Dreamer, dismissed at 72/1 odds, in third, and another head to Lions Reward, taking the minor money.  The running time was a quick 1:34³ for the main track mile stakes. 

Gran Z is a 6yo bay gelded son of El Gran Latro – Mrs Z, by Zariba Ruler, and he was bred in Fla by Oquinn Farm.  Maxmillion Farm acquired him for $50.000 via private purchase back in July of 2018, and it’s been a great ride since then.  He now has 10 wins from thirty-four, this being his third win of the season, and he now shows lifetime earnings of $3.059.500 – great work by this longtime conditioner.  Congrats to the Connections!  

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast          Time: :23¹  :46³  1:10   1:34³
$1 Exacta: 1 – 5 Paid 19.10     $1 Trifecta: 1 – 5 – 3 Paid 1,213.10
Scratched: None

Gran Z rated off of the pace, moved forward 2p into the far turn, moved 4p for the drive, closed determinedly to engage leader inside the final sixteenth, prevailed in a hard drive.  Real One stalked the pace between horses to the lane, split horses to take command down the lane, run down inside the last 150-yards in a good effort.  Dancehall Dreamer rated off of the pace to the far turn, moved forward from a wide position, continued on well to the finish.  Lions Reward stalked the pace, drifted widest of all into the lane, evenly late.  Sensei lacked speed, outrun.  Oleg on/forced the pace 3p early, continued on the pace into the lane, stopped nearing the furlong marker.  Statuesque sharp break, forcing the issue to the far turn, steady retreat. 

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES