Holding Gold Takes Over in Shakertown

In the $200,000 Shakertown (G2), Holding Gold took over in deep stretch to score by a neck as the second-longest shot on the board at 18-1 and give the trainer-jockey combination of Mark Casse and Joel Rosario a back-to-back stakes double. It was the first victory in the race for Casse and Rosario.

Making his first start since finishing seventh in last October’s Woodford (G3), Holding Gold covered the 5½ furlongs on a firm turf course in 1:02.29.

Justin Squared led the field of nine through fractions of :22.07 and :44.93 and remained in front until the eighth pole when Green Mask squeezed past on the inside. Holding Gold quickly collared Green Mask with the two dueling to the wire with Holding Gold slowly easing away.

A 4-year-old homebred son of Lonhro (AUS) out of the Golden Missile mare In the Gold, Holding Gold earned $120,000 for the victory that increased his bankroll to $274,835 with a record of 9-4-2-0. It was his first graded stakes victory.

Holding Gold returned $38.20, $14.60 and $7.60. Green Mask, ridden by Robby Albarado, returned $4.80 and $3.20 and finished 1½ lengths in front of favored Hogy, who paid $3 to show under Florent Geroux.

Partly Mocha finished another half-length back in fourth and was followed in order by Justin Squared, Mongolian Saturday, Rainbow Heir, Element and Shakhimat.

Source: Keeneland