Todd Pletcher saddles his fourth United Nations Stakes winner in Turbo Compressor
It was none other than Turbo Compressor, who landed the fourth consecutive victory for trainer Todd Pletcher in the Grade 1, $505,000 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park on 7th July, 2012.
The four-year-old bay colt was paired with rider Joe Bravo, who guided him to victory over the 1 3/8 mile distance.
Courtesy of the duo’s brisk pace and sheer talent, they were also to claim the victory by 1 ¾ lengths over, Air Support, who was coupled with jockey, Alex O. Solis, where the third place was secured by, Al Khali, and his jockey, Rosie Napravnik.
Slim Shadey did not do so well, and neither did Brilliant Speed, both of who raced as co-favourites and finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
The winning duo completed the race in 2 minutes and 12.88 seconds. They were set to lead from the beginning, as soon as they broke from the rail.
Bravo slowed down, but led at a safe distance, as Turbo Compressor was tracked by Al Khali and Eldaafer, but Turbo Compressor maintained his composure.
With Bravo on his back, he completed half-mile in 49.97 seconds, and one mile in 1 minute and 39.39 seconds. Air Support picked up pace on the turn, following Turbo Compressor, who entered the final furlong with a three length lead.
The winning rider commented:
“I was just a passenger today," Bravo explained "This horse just keeps getting stronger as he gets older. He was a good dirt horse and now he’s a great turf horse. Pace makes the race and we were able to get out there and control it on our terms. He
was nice and relaxed the whole way and really kicked on in the lane when I called on him.”
Owned by the P and G Stable & Off the Hook Racing, the runner earned his first graded victory, and third - of four starts - on turf.
With this victory, the son of Halo's Image, foaled by mare Dixieland Event, has earned an automatic spot in the Grade 1, $3 million Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park, which is due to take place on 3rd November,
2012, since this was a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ event.
This was Pletcher’s fourth victory in the United Nations Stakes, since he previously saddled Balto Star in 2003 and English Channel in 2006, and 2007.
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