LEXINGTON, KY – Bound for Nowhere came out of nowhere to win Saturday’s $200,000 Grade 2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland with jockey Julio Garcia aboard. The impressive 4-length victory was the result of a surprisingly strong stretch run that proved to be too much to handle for the rest of the field, including the 7-5 post time favorite Disco Partner.
Latent Revenge broke well from the gate setting the early pace with fractions of :21.82, :45.31, and :57.40. The pace, however, proved to be too fast for Latent Revenge who quickly tired and fell behind leaving Bound for Nowhere as the lone horse on the lead. Both Bucchero and Disco Partner sprung from the middle of the pack to make late challenges, but Bound for Nowhere held on for the decisive victory. Bucchero finished second, 2 lengths ahead of the third-place finisher Disco Partner with Commute close behind finishing fourth.
After the race, Jockey Julio Garcia said, “(Trainer) Wesley Ward gave me good instructions. I followed [Latent Revenge] and waited for the straight, and the horse responded very good.”
This was the first graded stakes win and second consecutive win for Bound for Nowhere who is both trained and owned by Ward. Bound for Nowhere was purchased as a yearling for $110,000.
Wesley Ward said of Bound for Nowhere after the race, “He’s a wonderful colt. I’m blessed to have him. I saw him when he was young, fell in love with him and bought him. I’m so happy everything is coming together. Hopefully, we have a big year.”
Winner Bound for Nowhere returned $19.00 to win, $9.40 to place, and $4.80 to show. Bucchero brought back $8.00 to place and $4.20 to show, while Disco Parner paid $2.80 to show.
