Protonico Breaks Track Record in Ben Ali
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In the $150,000 Grade 3 Ben Ali, Javier Castellano put Protonico on the lead out of the gate and never trailed in establishing a track record of 1:48.79 for 1 1/8 miles over Keeneland’s new dirt surface.
In giving trainer Todd Pletcher and Castellano their second stakes victory in two days, Protonico led the field of six through fractions of :23.95, :47.49 and 1:11.21 while under only mild pressure from Irish You Well.
At the head of the stretch, Protonico began to widen on the field and coasted home to his fifth victory in 10 career starts and third Grade 3 victory.
The victory was the third in the race for Castellano, who won aboard Wanderin Boy in 2006 and Exhi in 2011. Pletcher trained Exhi for his other Ben Ali triumph.
Protonico is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Giant’s Causeway out of the A.P. Indy mare Alpha Spirit. The winner’s share of $90,000 boosted his earnings to $590,507.
Protonico returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.20. Neck ‘n Neck, ridden by Julien Leparoux, paid $6.20 and $4.60 and finished 2½ lengths in front of Ami’s Holiday, who paid $4.40 to show under Robby Albarado.
Irish You Well finished fourth and was followed in order by Golden Ticket and Farhaan.
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In the Giant’s Causeway, Katie’s Eyes stalked the early pace set by Fioretti. Leaving the far turn, jockey Florent Geroux sent Katie’s Eyes after the leader, opened a clear margin at midstretch and had more than enough to hold off Ageless.
Katie’s Eyes completed the 5 ½ furlongs on a turf course labeled good in 1:02.78.
For trainer Michael Stidham, it was his second victory in the Giant’s Causeway to go with a score in 2012 with Flash Mash.
Katie’s Eyes is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) out of the Cape Town mare Get an Eye Full. Now a winner of three consecutive turf sprints, Katie’s Eyes improved her record to 9-4-0-3 and boosted her earnings to $168,161 with Saturday’s $60,000 check.
The winner returned $29, $10.40 and $5.60. Ageless, ridden by Julien Leparoux, returned $4 and $3 in finishing a length in front of Runway Ready, who paid $9.80 to show under Javier Castellano.
Favored Free as a Bird was another three-quarters of a length back in fourth and was followed in order by Henny Jenney, Fioretti, Gal About Town, Sweet Nkosi, Jewel of a Cat and Richies Party Girl.
Source: Keeneland Press Release
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