Marconi starts to 'really figure things out' in Skip Away Stakes win

Bridlewood Farm, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Marconi captured Friday’s $100,000 Skip Away at Gulfstream Park, but the 4-year-old son of Tapit had to work extremely hard to achieve his first career stakes triumph.

Marconi, a half-brother to 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Mucho Macho Man, raced in mid-pack as the Scotsman set fractions of 24.88 and 49.97 seconds for the first half-mile before completing six furlongs in 1:14.09. Realm took over the lead on the far turn and showed the way into the stretch with Sir Anthony in hot pursuit to his inside.

Sir Anthony managed to stick a head in front nearing the wire but was unable to hold off the far outside drive of Marconi, who responded to stretch-long urging of jockey Luis Saez.

“We were optimistic coming in," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "We always felt like the longer the better for him. He had a little time to mature. He’s a big horse and we always felt like he’d get better with a little time.

"We were hoping he would show up and deliver the type of performance he’s been showing in the morning. It was nice to see. Luis gave him a good ride and he kept coming.

"I think he’s heading in the right direction and as a 4-year-old he should start to really figure things out. I was impressed by how he was training recently; it seems like he’s kind of been coming around.”

Marconi, a $2 million yearling purchase, ran 1 3/16 miles in 1:56.30, edging Sir Anthony by a half-length. Realm finished third, another neck back. Rocketry, the 6-5 favorite, was never a factor.