Starter Optional Claiming

Chart notes

NOLDE was unhurried and relaxed through the early going while racing near the rail, became boxed in passing the half-mile pole then navigated a clear path through the turn, moved easily into contention and emerged into the stretch on the outside of five horses across the track, responded when set down passing the three-sixteenths pole, powered to the front and won going away. SHOT OF A LIFETIME broke alertly but was herded towards the rail and into A MAN'S MAN by AMERICA GREAT, backed out a potential problem before the turn then switched out to the three path for the run through the first turn, tracked the dueling leaders down the backstretch racing three to four wide, started a forward bid after the three furlong pole while also keeping BLACK CASPIAN (IRE) pinned inside, came into stretch as the middle horse of five across, was no match for the winner but emerged from the pack to gain the place. A MAN'S MAN broke well and was hustled forward to grab the rail and a share of the lead, then was put into a stiff hold by the rider while being shadowed by AMERICAN GREAT to the quarter pole, responded when set down in the stretch, put away that rival, had a short lead passing the three-sixteenths pole then had to deal with a host of challengers, dug in but was outfinished by the top pair while able to hold the third spot in a game effort. BLACK CASPIAN (IRE) raced mid-pack inside to the half, then made some forward progress through the turn while still saving ground, was stuck behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch, tried to go through an opening just past the furlong marker but was beaten to it by SHOT OF A LIFETIME, steadied and switched out to the four path but could not recover. DRUIDIC threw his head up at the break then was content to settle in the two path mid-pack through the first half-mile, swung wide into the stretch and made a mild late gain. AMERICA GREAT was hustled from the gate but was beaten to the turn by A MAN'S MAN, shadowed that rival to the far turn through measured fractions seemingly traveling well, raced between horses spread five across the track at the three-sixteenths pole then gave way with a furlong to run. DESCARTES broke well but then held up avoid getting caught five wide into the first turn, angled over to the two path and was content to trail under a snug hold by the rider, was let loose going into the far turn and swung out to the five path for the stretch run, came under pressure but had no response. Copyright 2026 Equibase Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.