The Muniz Memorial Handicap- Grade II
FG Race 9 1 1/8M Turf
Purse $300.000
Four Year Olds and Up
1st The Joker, trained by Maxmillion Farm
Broke on top, moved over to the rail and dueled for the lead with Cherokee Charlie through the first half mile. Put that one away and opened up by a clear length on Spanish Showboat as they rounded the far turn and entered the stretch. Went on willingly and was able to hold off Spanish Showboat as he came again near the wire.
2nd Spanish Showboat, trained by Mb Stables
Stalked the dueling leaders in between horses through the first half mile. Tried to keep up as The Joker opened up a bit and Cherokee Charlie began to tire. Came at The Joker again as the neared the wire but was unable to get by him.
3rd Truthbetold, trained by Joseph Racing
Was able to get over to the rail and save ground around the first turn. Raced 2.5 lengths off the pace all the way down the back stretch and around the far turn. Tried to rally through the stretch but was never a threat to the top two.
4th Cherokee Charlie, trained by Team 7 Illusions
Moved up to challenge The Joker for the lead as they entered the first turn and was caught three wide. Continued to battle for the lead through a half mile but started to tire as they entered the far turn. Drifted out down the stretch as he continued to tire but held on for a minor award.
Summary
The Joker certainly looks like a nice pick up for Maxmillion and has stamped himself a major player in the big turf route races coming up this summer. Spanish Showboat showed he still has something left in the tank and the two-pound weight spread may have been the difference today. Maggies Bones never found his best stride and will hopefully rebound next out while Cherokee Charlie will hope for a better trip.
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
