Mucho Macho Man relaxing after Suburban Handicap success
The Katherine Ritvo-trained colt, Mucho Macho Man, is taking it easy at the Spa after his excellent victory in the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap, held at Belmont Park on Saturday, July 7th.
Ridden by Mike Smith, the 4-year-old maintained the highest standards right through the race to ensure the top rank comfortably. He was dominant right from the beginning and, kept doing well until the finish.
He tracked the leader on the outside, and moved up smoothly to challenge 2 furlongs out. He ran superbly to lead over 1 ½-furlongs, and despite plenty of pressure, the runner kept on well to go clear inside the final furlong.
Following an outstanding effort, he notched up the first position by two and one-half lengths. The handler was quite delighted with Mucho Macho Man’s amazing show, saying that the colt is currently in good order.
"We're already back in Saratoga and everything's great. He came out of it very good," said Ritvo.
Bred in Florida by Carole A. Rio, John D. Rio and Caballo Grande Thoroughbreds LLC, the Reeves Thoroughbred Racing-owned has been doing a wonderful job since the start of this season.
He started off his 2012 campaign on a high note, winning the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park. After clinching a comprehensive victory over 1 1/8 miles, he continued the good work to bag the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap in March this year.
On the other hand, Shug McGaughey reported that his 6-year-old charge, Hymn Book, will be showing his magic in the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap in August.
Owned by Stuart S. Janney III, the gelding could only seize the runner-up spot behind Mucho Macho Man after stumbling badly at the start.
"He kind of stumbled, and (Endorsement) sort of came out or in, I'm not sure which one it was. By the time (jockey Alan) Garcia got (Hymn Book) back together, he was out the back door somewhere. To make that kind of a long run at a horse who had kind of a perfect trip, you have to come around them all and it's difficult to catch up," McGaughey said of the Donn Handicap hero.
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