The 9th Running of the G2 PEN Mile

June 3, 2022

PEN Race #19

$400.000 1-Mile Turf 3YOs 122 Lbs

Track Record-1:32.47 (Fireflying-2022)

Stakes Record-1:32.71 (Clockwork Chai-2017)

Coming into Friday night’s $400.000 G2 PEN Mile, most of the conversation centered on the duo of Creepy Risk and Sly Prayers after they DH’d at CD on KYD day.  After hitting the wire in 1:33.01, Pride In The Ride showed he deserved to be in those conversations for the remainder of the year.  Getting a tracking-trip from the two-path, Pride In The Ride engaged the race leader, Shamaulu, on the turn and took over just outside the furlong pole before increasing his advantage to nearly two lengths at the wire.  Inspector Gadget rallied through the latter stages to get up for the place while Sly Prayers, who looked full of run when he tipped to the outside, flattened-out a bit, but still got up for third.  Completing the order of finish were Sharkamaulu, Mako, Creepy Risk, and Living In The Matrix.  The entire field was covered by less than three lengths at the finish.

Running in sprint races only for the first ten races of his career, Pride In The Ride hinted that he would find the 1-mile distance of the PEN meet’s headliner suitable after a strong pre-race workout at WO.  Friday night, he showed that he can be every bit the force in the BC Mile division as he had been in the BC Turf Sprint division.  The Asgar-trained gelding has now amassed $696.720 with six wins from eleven starts.

The post time favorite, Creepy Risk, entered the G2 PEN Mile undefeated; however, he never looked comfortable after breaking in the third flight and making an early move to get just a bit closer to the 2nd flight.  From there, he pretty much ran in place through the latter stages of the race.  The same can’t be said for Sly Prayers as he was content to race in tandem at the back of the pack before moving out for clear run entering the turn.  He looked to have a lot of momentum as they straightened-out for the drive, but just couldn’t keep his move going.  The runner-up, Inspector Gadget, raced inside of those two early and held his path until well into the stretch when he hit his best stride.

Asgar has a decision to make as he plots the winner’s summer schedule.  If Friday was any indication, he should feel confident wherever he decides to run.  Congratulations to both horse and trainer for their victory in the $400.000 G2 PEN Mile!

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES