4/10/21

 2   KEE        ALI  (GIII)
  $150.000     4yo&Up      1 1/8m  Dirt          123lbs +penalties

Maxmillion Farms’ Gran Z was made the post time favorite for Saturdays Ali (GIII) at KEE, and 5yo gelding didn’t disappoint in the Lexington mud, winning by a half length in a final time of 1:51³ for the mile and an eighth main track stakes.  Nb Forrest, the longest shot on the board at 13/1, made a race of it down the lane, but just couldn’t get past the winner.  Sexy Back was another length back in third, and pace-setter Involved tired late to be fourth. 

Gran Z is a 5yo bay gelded son of El Gran Latro – Mrs Z, by Zariba Ruler, and he was bred in Fla by Oquinn Farm.  Acquired by current owner Maxmillion Farm by Private Purchase for $60.000 back in July of 2018, he now shows six lifetime wins from twenty two starts and earnings of $1,659.700. 

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Muddy          Time: :47⁴  1:12²  1:38¹  1:51³
$1 Exacta: 8 – 5 Paid 11.60           $1 Trifecta: 8 – 5 – 1 Paid 38.20
Scratched: Russian Dictator, Strong Kommand

Gran Z broke alertly, tracked the pace, moved up on the far turn, took over into the lane, stayed on holding clear, won driving.  Nb Forrest held back to a mid-pack position, up to engage into the lane, could not get past winner in a game effort.  Sexy Back tracked the pace from an inside position, evenly late, no excuse.  Involved sent from the gate to set the pace to the far turn, headed, tired.  Dirty Kruz was no factor.  Groovy taken back off of the pace, asked, no response.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES