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Borel Chalks Up Fourth Big Win On Brass Hat - 05-26-09
May 26 - American jockey Calvin Borel seems to have the golden touch, given that most major races he has ridden in this month has resulted in victory. First it was the Kentucky Derby on Mine That Bird, then the Preakness Stakes aboard Rachel Alexandra, after winning the Kentucky Oaks with her as well, and most recently the Louisville handicap on Brass Hat.
Going into last Saturday's $100,000 Louisville Handicap (Gr 3) at Churchill Downs Racecourse in Kentucky, the overwhelming race favorite was Spice Route, trained by Roger Attfield and ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. But that obviously did nothing to deter Borel, who has developed a taste for the winner's circle.
What made Brass Hat's triumph even more amazing, is the fact that the last time he won a race was in September 2007, when he romped home first in the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap (Gr 2) at Suffolk Downs Racecourse in Boston. But on Saturday, the hefty 8-year-old gelding was clearly back with a vengeance.
Borel, who like all great jockeys, seems to have a knack for reading his mounts and using their unique running styles to full advantage. In Brass Hat's case, a renowned later-runner, Borel allowed the gelding to settle into a comfortable position in the middle of the field, allowing the front runners to set the pace.
Then coming into the far turn, as early leader Thabazimbi started to tire after setting some speedy fractions, Spice Route kicked it up a notch and passed him to take the lead. And just when it looked as though Spice had the race sewn up, Borel aboard Brass Hat passed him in the final furlong to win the 1 1/2 mile turf race.
Obviously thrilled at the result was Brass Hat's trainer Buff Bradley. 'Calvin gave him a great ride. He had him in the right spot. He's just been training awesome so we felt like he had a good shot. While you're never sure if they'll win, but you know if they're going to run good. We felt confident that he'd run a good race.'
What makes Brass Hat's triumph even more amazing is that it was the gelding's first-ever victory on turf after seven previously unsuccessful attempts. Spice Route came home second while Thabazimbi held on for third. Said Borel, whose earnings jumped to $1,892,360 after the win, 'Brass Hat has got a lot of class.'
Other Articles:
Gaultier Can Win Golden Horse Casino Sprint - 05-29-09Cummings Could Win Queensland Oaks - 05-28-09Mr. Hot Stuff Unlikely Tip For Belmont Stakes - 05-27-09IHFA Announces World Thoroughbred Rankings - 05-27-09US Jockey Undergoes Surgery After Fall - 05-25-09Spice Route Solid favorite in Louisville Handicap - 05-23-09Strong Stablemates to Contest Milady Handicap - 05-22-09Jockey Greg Cheyne Gets Lucrative Sponsorship - 05-21-09
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| | 2009/11/20 11:35:16 AM |
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