Mucho Macho Man scores for trainer Kathy Ritvo in the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap
Jockey Mike Smith’s trip to the Belmont from his home base of California was worth it, since he landed a victory with, Mucho Macho Man, on 7th July, 2012, in the Grade 2, $300,000 Suburban Handicap.
Racing over a distance of 1 1/8 miles, the runner closed in on the pacesetter, Trickmeister and Hymn Book in the final stages of the race, and managed to gain first place by a margin of 2 ½ lengths over Hymn Book, while Trickmeister finished third, 3 lengths after the runner-up.
The race did not end well for the favourite, Bill Mott’s charge, To Honor and Serve, who finished in fourth place, and could not keep up, as he struggled behind the rest of the competition.
Trickmeister led the race for the first quarter, which he completed in 23.06 seconds, and the half-mile as he crossed it in 45.68 seconds with rider Ramon Dominguez on his back.
The four-year-old winner Mucho Macho Man made his move after the six furlong mark, and gained the advantage as he covered the one mile distance in 1 minute and 33.82 seconds, and maintained his lead until he broke through the wire first.
Impressed with his runner, the winning rider appreciated the effort that the Katherine Ritvo trained runner put into the race as he commented that:
"I'm really impressed, to be honest with you," Smith further stated "I knew he was a nice horse, but he really, really impressed me. From the time I got on him, he was so confident. He left the gate in great order. For a big horse, he's quick! I couldn't believe how easy he beat such a strong field. He just ran them off their feet."
With his exceptional skill, the son of Macho Uno, out of mare Ponche de Leona, completed the race in 1 minute and 46.58 seconds.
The winning trainer was also beyond pleased with the way her runner performed as she stated:
"That was fabulous! What a great day!"
The trainer said: "He likes to be here, likes the racetrack here, and we're really happy to be here. He ran a great race. We're so excited."
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