Bango Swoops Field to Win Aristides

LOUISVILLE, KY – Tamaroak Partners homebred colt Bango made a gallant stretch run after breaking slow to win Saturday’s 33rd running of the $150,000 Aristides at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Greg Foley and ridden by Marcelino Pedroza, Bango completed the 6-furlong Aristides in 1:09.65.

Edgemont Road set a swift early 1/4-mile fraction in :21.53. Bango, who battled on the lead in the $500,000 Churchill Downs (G1) in his previous start, was ninth early after breaking slow.

Following a 1/2-mile in :44.97, Bango began his charge at the leaders. In deep stretch, Bango was able to hold off the fast-closing Long Range Toddy to win by a 1/2-length.

“After the first 1/8-mile, you didn’t want to be standing near me. I thought that was it,” Foley joked. “He broke very slow, but he was able to settle and he made a really fast run around the pacesetters. He absolutely loves Churchill Downs and I’m hoping we can get him into another race here before the meet is over.”

Bango was the 4/1 third choice in the Aristides and paid $10.60, $6.40 and $4.40. Long Range Toddy, under Jon Court, paid $16.80 and $10.20. Sir Alfred James, who broke on top of the field but tracked just off the early fractions, finished third with jockey Colby Hernandez in the irons and returned $4.40.

Mojo Man, Tough Love, Royal Daaher, Empire of Gold, Haunt, 5/2 favorite Tap It to Win, and Edgemont Road completed the running order.

Bango improved his record to 17-6-1-1 with stout purse earnings of $393,557. Saturday’s Aristides win was his fifth from 8 starts at Churchill Downs.

The Aristides is named in honor of the inaugural Kentucky Derby winner of 1875.