Revolutionary Surges in Pimlico Special

 

Despite a card of races marred by wet weather and scratches, a full field of nine horses went to the gate in an exciting renewal of the Grade 3 Pimlico Special, which saw Revolutionary surge late for the win.

 

 

In his last start, and first start since February, Revolutionary was second in the Oaklawn Handicap, beaten just half a length by Will Take Charge. The WinStar Farm owned colt entered the Pimlico Special as the 2-1 favorite.

 

 

Using his customary late running technique, Revolutionary was close to twenty lengths off of the brisk pace set by Valid.  The Todd Pletcher trainee still lagged behind as they hit the half mile in :46.98. Coming around the far turn, there was less than three furlongs to run, and Revolutionary started to unleash his powerful stretch drive.

 

 

Meanwhile, there was a fight on the front end as Moreno and Prayer For Relief dueled with a determined Cat Burglar who was trying to sneak between the two rivals while Valid faded out of contention. Revolutionary blazed down the center of the track, picking off horses with every stride. In a well-timed ride by Mike Smith, Revolutionary passed the wire in front, beating Prayer for Relief by a neck. It was 1 ½ lengths back to Cat Burglar, who stole third place by a neck over Moreno. They raced the 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.99.

 

 

Revolutionary paid $6.40 to win. Prayer For Relief paid $7.20 for second and Cat Burglar was third, paying $4.60. The exacta paid $74.00, the $2.00 Trifecta was $434.20 and the $2.00 Superfecta rewarded backers with $873.00.