Pulsating finish to the Stephen Foster Handicap as Ron the Greek nosed out Wise Dan
The 5-year-old horse, Ron the Greek, has carried his impressive form from late last year to the 2012 campaign, as he maintained his good fortune, and some breath-taking closing in skills in the Grade 1, $437,200 Stephen Foster Handicap by winning it at Churchill Downs.
It was a pulsating finish to the race, as the Bill Mott trainee – out of nowhere, came and first tackled the runaway pace setter, Nates Mineshaft, who was running on adrenaline, and then the overpowering, heavy-favourite, Wise Dan, who was making his bid to win the 1 1/8 mile event on the outside.
Owned by Jack T. Hammer’s homebred also owned by, Brous Stable, and Wachtel Stable, Ron the Greek confirmed his championship credentials, as he now ranks at or very near the top of the older horse division.
Bred in Florida, Ron the Greek started off the 2012 campaign with a runner-up finish to, Mucho Macho Man, in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park, but he soon atoned for his defeat by beating Setsuko, by a convincing margin of 3 ½ lengths in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap.
The son of Full Mandate was coming off a second place finish to, Alternation, in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap, but the winner of the Oaklawn Handicap wound up a disappointing fifth in the Stephen Foster Handicap.
Under regular rider Jose Lezcano, Ron the Greek had a swift break from the gate, but the horses all gathered at the rail, leaving no spot for Ron the Greek to advance, as he shuffled back early.
Nates Mineshaft took a strong hold of the race, as he carved impressive fractions with the cavalry right behind him.
Nehro was at the end to begin with, and the half mile marker, he was 10 lengths off the leader.
In the mid-stretch, it looked as if Nates Mineshaft will post a gate to victory, but Wise Dan looked active, and threatened to take the lead with a few strides to go from the outside, but Ron the Greek has other ideas, as his strides got longer, he took down Nates Mineshaft, and put his nose in front of Wise Dan to win the race.
With this win, Ron the Greek confirms a spot in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.
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