Winchester returns to action with a bang, as he wins the Grade 1 Sword Dance in fine style for trainer Christophe Clement
The 6-year-old Christophe Clement trained Winchester rallied from way behind to land his fourth Grade 1 victory for owner(s), Betram R. Firestone, in the $500,000 Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational at the Saratoga racecourse on 13 August, 2011.
Under jockey Cornelio Velasquez, the 6-year-old Winchester was kept off the pace as he chased the field for a good mile, and he was still on tracking as the lot turned in for home.
This was the son of Theatrical, Winchester’s first win in his 2011 season, in his second appearance. His first race of the 2011 was in the Grade 3 Stars and Stripes Stakes on 23 July, 2011, over at distance of 1 ½ miles on synthetic surface.
It was a good race for Winchester as he finished on the money under jockey Cornelio Velasquez, just before free fighter to finish second at Arlington Park.
His last win came at Belmont Park on 2 October, 2010, in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic under his usual ride Cornelio Velasquez over at the distance of 1 ½ mile.
Winchester took on Paddy O’Prado and Grassy who finished third and fourth respectively, while Winchester covered the 1 ½ mile distance on grass in 2 minutes and 36.09 seconds.
The Virginia bred, Winchester, the son of Theatrical, out of Run Charger by Spectrum ran an amazing race as he held back at the rear till the home turn, and then on forward he got on the outside and picked up the pace for the first time in the race.
The six-year-old with his big engine, went past opponents at will, and the race became interesting as he went past Teaks North to get to the pace setter Rahy’s Attorney.
In the final yards, the two dueled it out like true veterans, but Winchester was too good, as he won the race 1 ½ lengths before the wire when he edged past Rahy’s Attorney.
Winchester improved his record with 6 wins out of 23 career starts, and he shot up his earnings after the win to $1,576,843.
Tags: