Bribon Uses Late Kick to Score Met Mile Win

Trained by Rob Ribaudo, French-bred Bribon entered the Met Mile off a victory in the one-mile Westchester (gr. III) April 29 at Belmont, which was his first graded stakes score. He has now recorded five of his eight career victories at the one-mile distance.

“He’s as strong now (as he ever was) and maybe a little better," said Ribaudo, who scored his first grade I victory on dirt. "He’s actually doing a little better, sound-wise. He’s got no choice (since he’s a gelding); he’s going to be around for awhile.

“A mile is a great distance for him, but it’s a great time to give him a break now. There are no mile races left – nothing of any consequence. There’s not a lot in the near future, but he deserves a little break. Maybe we’ll come back in Saratoga at seven-eighths. 

Racing mid-pack in the early going of the main track event, Bribon settled in nicely under Alan Garcia, who also won the Met Mile a year ago under Divine Park. The pace was set by longshot Driven By Success, who took the field of 12 along in splits of :22.70, :45.20 and 1:08.55 with Ramon Dominguez in the irons.  Accredit pressed the quick pace, while Riley Tucker, Mr. Sidney and Smooth Air also raced closed to the front.

Bribon made his winning move racing wide on the turn and moved into striking position at the top of the lane while Driven by Success began to labor on the front end. Smooth Air moved between horses in upper stretch and gained a short advantage nearing the sixteenth-pole, but Bribon had all the momentum and overtook him in the final 70 yards for the win. The final time was 1:34.15 on the fast dirt.