While Robeth was looking to capture win number one of the season with Cross G, Mb Stables and jockey Lanerie decided to dictate the pace from the top and avoid any grass being tossed in their face. The victory was number three of Pollinate’s career, and second of three over an off surface.

• The Walker- Purse $150.000
• Churchill Downs- For three Year olds.
• Five furlongs in distance- Turf Course

Completing the five furlong affair with the only sub one minute time at the wire, Pollinate was hurried quickly to the front by the top of the stretch ahead of early leader Cross G, then strutted on to a two length advantage in a final time of 59.56. It seems this sophomore may have a craving for off surfaces, or at least possibly the grass. This was his first try over the sod and we may see Dan try this footing once again just to prove a point to himself. Pollinate was let go at 64-1 odds, something you don’t find too often with an Mb Stables entry!

Cross G was quick to break well from the gate, but with the likes of the eventual winner keeping him off the rail the complete trip down the backstretch, it may have left him gasping slightly in the latter stages. The 4-5 post time favorite was definitely keen on his toes for this event, but the softer footing may have played a role in his finish as well.

Rounding out the top three runners was Hollywood Assembly ( Nakamura Stables) who showed a keener interest at getting near the front early in previous affairs, but he may have had a slight issue out of the gate that impeded his style of running. Managed to make up a length in the stretch drive, and now he has had a win and a show in his past two turf sprint races.

Track: Soft
Time: :23¹  :47  :59²

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 6 – 7 Paid 59.20
$1 Trifecta: 6 – 7 – 2 Paid 899.30

Scratched: El Malo

Duffer

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded