Favored Atigun came on strongly in the Oaklawn Park homestretch to win a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race for three-year-olds by a head, stamping himself as one to watch out for in the major Kentucky Derby prep races to be held in the coming months.
Ridden to victory by Terry Thompson, Atigun settled into sixth place in between horses as 24-1 shot Ring It Up set the pace. Red Jack was tracking him in second, despite breaking outward and bumping soundly with Inclined to Win at the start. Also up and on the pace were Hawk Talk and Whistle Included. The opening fractions were :24.53 and :49.55. Cyber Secret, the second choice, was last early after a poor start.
Turning for home Ring It Up kicked away from his rivals and appeared to be on his way to a huge upset. But Atigun had been guided to the outside by Thompson, and under a hand ride the son of Istan closed strongly. However, Ring It Up was not about to give way, gamely attempting to hold off Atigun's late run. This prompted Thompson to got to the whip on his colt, giving Atigun a couple of brief smacks nearing the finish to ensure victory.
Atigun stopped the clock in 1:46.52. Ring It Up finished second, followed by Whistle Included and Red Jack.
-Keelerman
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