9/24/22

  2    ALB     Downs

$200.000   3yo&Up                  1 1/8m  Dirt           3yo 120lbs     Older 123lbs   +penalties

It was a close finish in the Downs, here at ALB, but Mo Mentum Farm gets the victory as Crimson Rioja gets under the wire in front by a quarter length, covering the mile and an eighth in 1:47.90, over the fast strip.  Casa Astruiana took over and had the lead in the lane, but could not hold off the eventual winner, settling for the runner-up purse.  It was another length to Judge in third, and three-quarters back to Galactic Command taking the minor money.  Four lengths covered the field of six.  

Crimson Rioja is a 4yo bay gelding by Royal Crimson Cat – Alliances, by Stars Collide, and he was bred in Cal by Twin TowersRacing.  He was obtained via private purchase by Mo Mentum Farms, prior to his racing career, for $26.770 and he now shows six wins from twenty-three starts, two of those coming this season.  Congrats to the Connections! 

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast          Time: :47¹  1:10⁴  1:35¹  1:47⁴
$1 Exacta: 6 – 3 Paid 27.30       $1 Trifecta: 6 – 3 – 2 Paid 181.80
Scratched: None

Crimson Rioja sat patiently behind speed duel racing 3p, fanned widest for the drive pressing forward to gather up foes at the furlong marker, won dirving.  Casa Asturiana set or forced a disputed pace to the furlong marker, overtaken by foe, good effort.  Judge ground saving trip, no excuse.  Galactic Command set or forced the pace to the furlong marker, tired.  Bring The Pain trailed.  Decimal Point was never involved.  

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded