Trainer John Henry has taken his three time Grade I winner back to the top with a victory here at KEE, and doing so as a surprisingly sixteen to one underdog. In just four short years, this trainer has accumulated over sixty four Graded titles, and one BC win.

Gr. III Commonwealth, Keenland Racecourse 7 Fur. April 6th, 2019

Taking a whole different approach to this event over his last try in the Gr. II Palos Verdes Stakes, Z One Chance was hustled quickly to the front, along side a slightly quicker Warrior Patriot ( Paradise Stable ) to the midpoint of the back stretch. There, Z One Chance would sprint ahead and grab the rail. The two would be joined by Residue ( Smokey Stover ) who was moving sharply along the rail.

Entering the far turn and Residue was staying within two of the leader, but still had to contend with Warrior Patriot to her outside flank, and a closing Crop Duster ( Mb Stables) to that ones extreme outside. A wall of three sat behind this group, consisting of Controlled Lion ( Our Athletes ), Arbre Aleatoire ( Eastern Equine ) and French Eclipse ( D J C Racing Stables ). A length back of this trio were Alpha Uno ( Estero Farms ) and Di Farley ( Gdp Inc ).

As the field turned for home, Z One Chance was still slightly better then two lengths ahead of a now Crop Duster. Warrior Patriot and Residue were still battling for third, but French Eclipse was now starting to put in his late run. The opening half went in a brisk 46.24.

With a furlong to run after a time of 1:09.23 for the three quarter, the field was starting to bunch up behind the leader as the late runners were all looking for their best finish. Crop Duster was still hanging on to second, with a charging French Eclipse now in the hunt.

Crossing the wire in a final time of 1:21.34, Z One Chance would hold on to a half length lead over a determined Crop Duster. This would be back to back 100 HRP speed numbers this season for the five year old bay horse, and he sits fifth on his trainer’s most active list.

Placing second was Crop Duster, who was poised to take the victory away, and given another furlong, he may have just done the damage. While he struggling last season against Graded company to find a purse, the return has him with back to back runner-up finishes at seven eights of a mile. Watch for him to possibly return next month in the Triple Bend.

Show money would go to French Eclipse, who made a gallant effort in the late going, missing by a length. In his first try against Graded company after back to back victories in OpClm company, he proved he can compete, and helped to return a healthy trifecta at 27-1 odds.

Closing up on the extreme outside was Alpha Uno for the minor share. After trailing early on, he put in a smart showing to the wire. Though he is winless in two this season, it seems he has a preference for the sprint events.

Rounding out this event were Controlled Lion (5th) who closed to within two, post time fave Residue (6th) who would finish in a deadheat with Di Farley. Eighth would be early dueler Warrior Patriot who seem to lose a little in the tank in the stretch, and finally Arbre Aleatoire a full second back of the winner.

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