Last year, in the BC Classic (GI), Mister Major was a 32/1 outsider… this year, he just could be the favorite.  Making it four in a row, the now 7yo gelding put another GI feather in his cap, taking the Awesome Again Stakes (GI) [BC] and that automatic bid for Championship Day, getting the mile and an eighth in 1:47.75 and holding off 32/1 shot Fumble for the win.  Pace-setter Galvaston was third in the twelve horse field.

Away from the gate, they were clambering for the lead – Galvaston from the middle of the track, Maquerade City from the far outside, Fumble, One Above All and Im too Confident, all breaking sharply.  Suns Out Guns Out, Win and Dine next to that one, Secret King, then Siberian Slew from the rail, Mister Major next to that one, George Washing just behind that pair and Socal Man the early trailer.

Under the wire for the first time and now headed off into the clubhouse turn, six and a half furlongs to run, Galvaston securing the early lead.  Masquerade City giving chase, a gap of two back to Im Too Confident caught five wide, Wine and Dine four wide, Suns Out Guns Out between that one and Fumble from the rail.  Another two lengths to One Above All, Secret King on his flank, Mister Major between horses with Siberian Slew on the rail and George Washington on his outside, then another length to Socal Man, still at the back of the pack, nine lengths covered them.

Now making their way down the backside and a half-mile left to run, Galvaston continued to show the way by a length.  Masquerade City still tracking him. now Suns Out Guns Out three wide and a closer third, with Im Too Confident widest of all and moving with that one.  Another length to Fumble, skimming the rail, Wind And Dine moving with him, then a length back to One Above all Mister Major to his outside.  Two lengths back to Siberian Slew, Secret King on his outside, George Washington behind that pair and Socal Man still the trailer, eleven lengths from the front.

Swing around the far turn and to the top of the lane, they flew past the three-sixteenth’s pole and Galvaston had skipped off to lead by a length and a half.  Fumble found a path on the rail and was now trying to move forward.  Mister Major full of run and five wide and they straightened out, Im Too Confident just inside of that one, Suns Out Guns out and Masquerade City with that one, another length back to Wine And Dine, One Above All from the inside, Secret King five wide and feeling the whip Siberian Slew between that pair, George Washington, and Socal Man now being asked.

Inside the furlong marker, Galvaston now being joined by Mister Major down the center of the track, Fumble up the rail, the rest were trying to find more, but the run to the wire was happening and it was now or never.

To the final 150-yards and the finish, Mister Major was up to put a neck in front, Fumble and Galvaston trying to make a final push, but this was all about Mister Major and the old boy showed that he has what it takes to get the job done, winning by a half-length.  Fumble was up for the place, with Galvaston a length back in third.  Socal Man came from the clouds to get the minor share, a neck in front of Suns Out Guns Out.  Masquerade City was sixth, Wine And Dine in seventh, Siberian Slew and Secret King on even terms in eighth, One Above All in tenth, Im Too Confident in eleventh and George Washington closed this one out.

Mister Major is a 7yo gelded son of Mr Feelgood – Major Barbara, by Hennessy, and he was bred by Dynark Stables in NJ.  Purchased by Sanny Village at the March 2014 Auction for $150.000, the old boy now shows thirteen wins from thirty-five starts and earnings of $3,261.200, with $1,920.000 of that coming this season!

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast      Time: :46²  1:10   1:34⁴  1:47³
$1 Exacta: 2 – 9 Paid 166.10     $1 Trifecta: 2 – 9 – 6 Paid 1,552.20
Scratched: None

Categories: Grade I