Persistent Next Question sealed the Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine
The 4-year-old bay colt, Next Question was making his seventh lifetime start in the Canadian Grade 1, $511,576 Nearctic Stakes, and he converted it into a winning one when the stubborn son of Stormy Atlantic proved to be the toughest in the stretch under
jockey Ramon Dominguez.
Three Diamonds Farm’s Next Question was breathing down Bear Tough Tiger’s neck throughout the race, and when the leader wilted, Michael Trombetta trained colt pounced on the opportunity to lead the field.
In the six furlong test, Next Question had enough in the tank to hold off the British-bred, Night Carnation’s late run to post a half-length victory, as Bear Tough Tiger finished third and the 5 to 2 favourite, Big Band Sound finished fourth.
Bred in New York by Lance G. Bell, Next Question was exiting victory in an allowance optional claimer Belmont Park, where he posted a five-length gate-to- wire victory over a distance of seven furlongs at the venue’s inner turf on 12 September, 2012.
Grade 1 Nearctic Stakes being the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge race for Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on 3 November, 2012, at Santa Anita Park, Next Question earned an automatic fees-paid berth in the race.
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint will be run over a distance of six and one-half furlongs.
In the Nearctic Stakes, Next Question broke swiftly for Dominguez, and spurted away to take the lead early. Shifting to the outside of Bear Tough Tiger, Next Question pushed the front runner to post an opening quarter mile in 23.03 seconds, and half mile
in 45.71 seconds.
Night Carnation, the British-bred filly against males on her United States debut, had Super Chunky and Artic Fern alongside her stalking the leaders.
Next Question gave Bear Tough Tiger a run for his money, and held a small advantage, but the colt increased it by the sixteenth pole, and had Night Carnation gaining in from the outside.
In deep stretch, things heated up, but Next Question was comfortable in lead, and wasn’t prepared to let it go as his downed 6 furlongs in 1 minute and 9.32 seconds, and won the race in style.
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