Will Machowsky Go "Gangnam Style" After Graduation?
If Gangnam Guy wins Wednesday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes, do not expect trainer Mike Machowsky to come to the winner’s circle crossing his wrists, flapping his arms pumping his legs a la South Korean entertainer Psy.
Yes, the 2012 song “Gangnam Style” and viral video played a part in the naming of the 2-year-old, California-bred son of Roi Charmer. But no, Machowsky –who says he wasn’t aware of the pop culture phenomenon until informed by Gangnam Guy owner Dick Barton – hasn’t been working on his moves. “I’m not a dancer,” Machowsky said.
Gangnam Guy might be a runner.
In a career begun in April at Hollywood Park, Gangnam Guy has made steady progress from a results standpoint, going from a third-place debut to a runner-up finish and win in June, all at the maiden special level. The Graduation, for California-breds, was a natural goal for a stakes-level try.
“It’s been the plan since he broke his maiden,” Machowsky said. “He couldn’t be training any better and (Rafael) Bejarano said it looks like he’ll run long too.”
Gangnam Guy is the 9-2 fourth choice in a field of seven behind Willie B Awesome (3-1), Moving Desert (7-2), and Solid Wager (4-1)