Flat Out finally broke through with a grade I victory, wearing down Rodman and holding off Drosselmeyer to win the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) by two lengths.
Patiently ridden by Alex Solis, the colt settled into the fourth spot and Rodman raced away to set the pace. Birdrun was tracking him in second, followed by Stay Thirsty. Drosselmeyer was rating in fifth, followed by A. U. Miner and Ice Box.
Through steady fractions of :24.17, :48.56, and 1:12.66, Rodman continued to lead the way. Birdrun was still second, but Flat Out was beginning to advance on the outside. Around the far turn Flat Out continued to inch closer to the lead, but Stay Thirsty was beginning to drop back under pressure. A. U. Miner and Ice Box had also dropped impossibly far behind the field.
Entering the homestretch Flat Out tackleford Rodman and put him away, opening up a clear lead. Then Stay Thirsty suddenly appeared on the scene, finally kicking into high gear on the outside. Drosselmeyer too was charging hard, and -- amazingly -- A. U. Miner was charging into contention from far behind. But none of them seriously threatened Flat Out, who held on gamely in the mud to win the mile and a quarter race by two lengths in 2:03.17. Drosselmeyer edged Stay Thirsty for second by a neck, while a tiring Rodman narrowly held fourth over A. U. Miner. Birdrun finished sixth, while Ice Box never got into contention and was soundly beaten.
The results of the Jockey Club Gold Cup certainly flattered Havre de Grace, who defeated Flat Out in the Woodward Stakes last month and returned to win the Beldame Stakes one race preceding the JCGC. Both horses may end up running in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) next month, which would certainly be one of the greatest races of the year!
-Keelerman
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