News Wake Forest Runs Them Down in Gutsy G2 Mac Diarmida Win March 4, 2017 News Wake Forest Runs Them Down in Gutsy G2 Mac Diarmida Win March 4, 2017 By: Jared Welch twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Michael Dubb, Sheep Pond Partners and Bethlehem Stables’ Wake Forest kicked off his 7-year-old season in winning fashion Saturday with a gutsy head victory over a late-running Patterson Cross in the $200,000 Mac Diarmida (G2) at Gulfstream Park. It was the first win for Wake Forest, favored at 2-1 in the field of 11 older grass runners, since capturing the Man o’War (G1) in his second North American start last May. The winning time was 2:13.54 for 1 3/8 miles over a firm turf course. Jockey Javier Castellano settled Wake Forest in mid-pack as 25-1 long shot Reporting Star, a Grade 3 winner at Gulfstream last spring, posted fractions of 24.18 seconds, 47.88, 1:13.70 and 1:38.23 with only mild pressure from Smooth Daddy to his outside. Castellano swung Wake Forest five wide as the field rounded the far turn for the second and final time, launched a steady drive down the middle of the stretch, and emerged in front from a four-way photo finish. Patterson Cross was second by a neck over Reporting Star, who was another neck ahead of Bigger Picture. Mr. Maybe, Danish Dynaformer, Flatlined, Charming Kitten, Watershed, Twilight Eclipse, and Smooth Daddy rounded out the order. Wake Forest returned $6, $3.80, and $3.20. Patterson Cross brought back $8.20 and $5.80, while Reporting Star paid $15.60 to show. $200,000 Mac Diarmida (G2) Quotes Trainer Chad Brown (Wake Forest): “Given the trip he got, Javier really did a good job the first couple turns saving a lot of ground. He had no choice but to go that wide turning for home. I thought maybe it would take a little starch out of him those last few strides. But I will tell you, this horse showed a lot of heart. We’re really proud of him.” “I think I’ll run him one more time between now and [the Man o’War]. Maybe one more start here in the Pan American [G2 April 1] and then maybe on to the Man o’War after that.” Jockey Javier Castellano (Wake Forest): “I had a beautiful trip. I saved the ground, I didn’t want to be too far back, but I didn’t want to be too close to the pace, either. Everything unfolded the right way. I saved all the ground the first two turns, and then I took a shot and took him to the outside, and he gave me his run. He’s a phenomenal horse.” Source: Gulfstream Park
Kentucky Derby Prep Results [Louisiana Derby & Jeff Ruby Steaks] | The Magic Mike Show 536 The Magic Mike Show guys discuss what they learned from… Read More
2024 Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks Previews and Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 658 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the $1… Read More
Bayou Bluegrass Pick 5 [Fair Grounds & Turfway Park] | The Magic Mike Show 535 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
2024 Kentucky Derby Championship Series Look Ahead | Blinkers Off 657 The Racing Dudes take a look ahead at the upcoming… Read More
March Madness BRACKET Breakdown | Dudes Who Bet Sports 185 Aaron and Papa Dude give their break down of each… Read More
How We CASHED BIG On Louisiana Derby Day | Racing Dudes Betting Bible Update Aaron reviews the recent Racing Dudes Betting Bible to explain… Read More
How Jared SCORED BIG On Louisiana Derby Day | Racing Dudes Betting Bible Update Jared reviews the recent Racing Dudes Betting Bible to explain… Read More
Florida Derby 2024 | Gulfstream Park Picks [Kentucky Derby] Aaron previews the 2024 Florida Derby (G1) from Gulfstream Park,… Read More
Arkansas Derby 2024 | Oaklawn Park Picks [Kentucky Derby] Aaron previews the 2024 Arkansas Derby (G1) from Oaklawn Park,… Read More
UAE Derby 2024 | Meydan Dubai Picks [Kentucky Derby] New York-bred Pandagate worked five-eighths in 1:03.20 Sunday in company… Read More