Favored Merit Man looked beaten at the top of the Gulfstream Park homestretch, but dug back in courageously to win the $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes on New Year's Day by a determined half-length.
Ridden perfectly by Joel Rosario, Merit Man got off to a clean start from gate one and quickly assumed command of the lead while being pressured by Rockyshomerun, Cat Five Hurricane, and Brave Dave. City of Weston was racing a few lengths behind the leading group in fifth, while Little Distorted trailed the field early.
Through quick fractions of :22.04 and :44.93 Merit Man led the way, shaking off his challengers one by one to enter the homestretch with a clear advantage. However, the quick pace began took a toll on Merit Man in final quarter mile, setting the race up for a possible upset from behind. Taking advantage of the situation was 50-1 shot City of Weston, who loomed into contention on the far outside and appeared to be on his way to an easy victory. However, Merit Man proved extremely game in the final furlong, digging in tenaciously and refusing to allow City of Weston to pass. He eventually hit the wire a half-length in front, while stopping the clock for six furlongs in 1:11.39 seconds.
Little Distorted rallied well from last to finish a distant third, while Rockyshomerun, Cat Five Hurricane, and Brave Dave completed the order of finish.
The winner is a son of With Distinction out of the Precise End mare Precise Strike. He is trained by Robert Hess, Jr., and owned by Bruce Chandler, Double Kee LLC, and Purple Shamrock Racing.
-Keelerman
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