The eighth race at Gulfstream Park today yielded notable results. A one-mile allowance optional claiming race, the 8-5 favorite was Our Dark Knight, a Nick Zito-trained colt ridden by Jose Lezcano. The horse I was watching was Ron the Greek, a stretch-running colt who won the 2010 LeComte before finishing off the board in the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby last year. I have always been fond of him and was curious as to how well he would run today.
He ran very well.
As usual, Ron the Greek dropped back to last at the start under J. Castellano. As many as fifteen lengths behind at one point, he was showing no early speed at all. This was not a good thing, for the early pace was not very fast and Gulfstream Park's main track is not kind to closers. The task Ron the Greek faced seemed next to impossible to accomplish, especially when one considers that Our Dark Knight was sitting in third, just off of the lead.
On the far turn, Our Dark Knight made his bid for the lead, moving up to tackle leaders Sumo and Hear Ye Hear Ye. He struck the front as the field turned for home and opened up a decisive lead.
But Ron the Greek was beginning to unravel. His strides increasing in length, he blew past several horses while entering the stretch six wide. But it was much too late. Our Dark Knight had opened up a three-length lead and was still going strong.
Ron the Greek closed well, but it was obvious that he would not get up in time. Still, he never stopped trying, cutting Our Dark Knight's winning margin to about two lengths at the wire. It was a strong effort considering it was his first start since March 2010.
Was Ron the Greek's performance the beginning of a championship campaign? It's impossible to say this early. But his effort today certainly inspires confidence!
-Keelerman
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