Race Recaps Channel Maker Noses Final Copy in $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes August 20, 2017 Race Recaps Channel Maker Noses Final Copy in $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes August 20, 2017 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article TORONTO, ON – Trainer Bill Mott’s Channel Maker won a thrilling – and controversial – running of the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday, edging out Final Copy by a nose at the wire. While stewards may have thought that the photo finish would be their only involvement, two claims of foul were lodged against Channel Maker for separate incidents in the stretch run. Jockeys from Glencairn and Seeking Albert each alleged interference, but both were disallowed. Additionally, a claim of foul from Woodbridge against Final Copy for an earlier instance was followed, but that was also disallowed. The race began easily enough, with jockey Rafael Hernandez settling Channel Maker in near the rear of the field while Major Eclipse set slow early fractions of :26.35, :51.46, 1:16.41, and 1:40.81. Racing three-wide through the far turn, Channel Maker emerged onto the stretch in a seven-wide fight and bumped Glencairn but kept running. Collaring the leaders at the 3/16 pole, Channel Maker drifted in a bit and caused jockey David Moran to pull up slightly on Seeking Albert, but with the finish line in his sight, Channel Maker ran side-by-side with Final Copy and was able outlast him and a late-rallying King and His Court. The final time for the 1 1/4-mile turf marathon was 2:29.70. “Down the lane, he was just laying over a little bit when he switched to the lead and didn’t bother anybody, as the inquiry showed,” Hernandez said. “I think he’s a good horse, he’s been showing up every time he’s been running, and we won, so that’s good. The plan was good and we made the plans go through.” Seeking Albert held on for fourth, with Woodbridge, Lookin At Bravo, Conquest Lemonraid, Major Eclipse, Glencairn, and Cool Catomine completing the order of finish. New Subscriber Bonus: Access our Top 10 Wagering Angles in Racing to see exactly what we look for when opening up the past performances. Switching back to the turf after finishing fourth on synthetic surface in the $1,000,000 Queen’s Plate behind Canadian super-filly Holy Helena proved to be a worthwhile move. “He’s always been better on the grass,” Hernandez said. “We waited for this race and he prepared for this race and he showed up today. It’s great.” Channel Maker returned $5.50 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.70 to show. Final Copy brought back $5.20 place and $3.60 to show, while King and His Court paid $6.10 to show.
Jon White’s Kentucky Derby 2025 Strikes and Picks | Blinkers Off 718 The Racing Dudes interview Jon White, former Santa Anita, Del… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2025 Post Position Draw & Odds | Blinkers Off 717 The Racing Dudes go LIVE to cover the post draw… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2025 Town Hall Forum | Blinkers Off 716 The Racing Dudes take one last look at the contenders… Read More
Keeneland Preview & FREE Pick 5 Bets | The Magic Mike Show 588 The Magic Mike Show guys preview Keeneland on Friday &… Read More
NHL and NBA Playoff PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 236 Aaron and Papa Dude give their picks for the upcoming… Read More
Jon White’s Kentucky Derby 2025 Strikes and Picks | Blinkers Off 718 The Racing Dudes interview Jon White, former Santa Anita, Del… Read More
2025 Kentucky Derby Preview & FREE Picks | Who WINS the Run for the Roses? Aaron previews the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) from Churchill Downs,… Read More
2025 Kentucky Oaks Preview & FREE Picks | Good Cheer Headlines Friday’s Main Event Aaron previews the 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) from Churchill Downs,… Read More
2025 Kentucky Derby Pace Analysis Aaron Halterman analyzes the pace for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.… Read More
Journalism 3-1 Favorite for $5 Million Kentucky Derby | Make Your Picks Now LOUISVILLE, KY – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stables, Robert La Penta, Elayne Stables… Read More