Finnegans Wake Takes the Woodford Reserve
Finnegans Wake made his trip back to the Midwest a winning one in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1). Sitting in last through out, jockey Victor Espinosa launched his charge from the back of the pack 3 furlongs from the wire to get up by a head over Sky Kingdom. “I got there just in time. Turning for home I thought I would catch him, but then I said, ‘Uh-oh, this is going to be tough,’” said Espinosa.
Finnegans Wake has revitalized his career since moving to Peter Miller’s barn in California. He has hit the board in all his California starts but one (Breeders’ Cup Turf). He has a liking for firm ground, which explains the move to the left coast, and for his big performance today. The victory is the fourth graded stakes triumph in 7 starts since moving from Dale Romans barn.
After Sky Kingdom battled Umgiyo (AUS) through 6 furlongs in 1:11.28, the Mark Casse trainee became leg weary in the stretch, causing him to drift out and impede Seek Again. The stewards found the interference to be enough to disqualify Sky Kingdom from 2nd and place him 4th. Therefore, Jack Milton was moved up to the place position, while Seek Again was placed 3rd. “I thought he ran hard the whole way and he dug in and he was trying every step of the way. I hit him left-handed and he ducked out so that’s what they were looking at,” jockey Shaun Bridgmohan said.
This is the first Grade 1 victory for the 6-year-old son of Powerscourt, who covered the 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:47.24 Finnegans Wake returned $9.40 to his backers and $282,100 to his owners, Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch.