“The race set up good for us,” said Sellers following the Pontalba. “The favorite (Greeley’s Rocket) kind of kicked off from us turning for home, but I had to go right after her. I got by her but she came again at us in the last part of it. Eddie (Martin, jockey aboard Greeley’s Rocket) is a hard rider to get by, but fortunately we were able to hold him off.”
Greeley’s alternated for the early lead with Blading Gold Ring while recording splits of 22.10 and 45.94 before Right to Rule marked the final time of 1:11.12.
In Saturday’s co-featured 32nd running of the $60,000 Old Hickory Stakes, Peter Redekop B.C. Ltd.’s Comedero posted a wire-to-wire tally, winning the 2-year-old fixture by 1 3/4–lengths under jockey James Graham to remain undefeated in three career starts while boosting his lifetime earnings to $80,700.
“I worked him at Keeneland, so I knew he was quick but he relaxes so well” said Graham. “I just let him get into his rhythm. He’ll do the work you ask him to do.”
Comedero set early fractions of 22.20 and 45.84 before completing the six furlongs in 1:10.13. The winner paid $5 and $3.80. There was no show wagering. L.T.B. Inc.’s Vito Filitto finished second, returning $5.80 to place.
Racing resumes Sunday at Fair Grounds with a 10-race program beginning at 12:30 p.m.