Race Recaps Channel Maker Rallies Late, Takes Man o’ War May 11, 2019 Race Recaps Channel Maker Rallies Late, Takes Man o’ War May 11, 2019 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ELMONT, NY – For the second straight weekend, trainer Bill Mott took home the weekend’s main event, this time thanks to Channel Maker‘s perfectly-timed rally that put him in front in the shadow of the wire to win Saturday’s Man o’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Breaking from post 8 under Joel Rosario at 6/1 odds, Channel Maker sat third as the field spread out in the early going. Up front, Hunting Horn set blazing opening fractions of :22.98, :47.47, 1:12.48, and 1:36.27 while at one point leading by more than 8 lengths. That lead began to wane midway through the far turn, and by the time he straightened for home, Hunting Horn was gasping for air. Though he fought valiantly to hold on as long as he could, Hunting Horn finally yielded in the final 1/16 of a mile to Channel Maker, who got the first jump off of the turn and was just ahead of Arklow and Magic Wand. Digging in deep, Channel Maker held off the late-rallying pair behind him to win by a neck in a final time of 2:12.43 for the 1 3/8-mile event over the firm turf course. Want to bet like NHC Champion Jonathon Kinchen? Download our Inside Track to the Preakness wagering guide now! “He’s a good horse and runs hard all the time,” Rosario said. “I’m glad we got the money today. I thought the horse around the last turn might keep going, but I thought he was going too fast for the distance and the last 1/2-furlong would be tough to get. I felt confident, and he’s the kind of horse that has a good, strong stride. The more you ride him, the more he gives to you.” Arklow crossed a 1/2-length ahead of the filly Magic Wand, who closed well but just couldn’t get there in time and could only neck out her Aidan O’Brien stablemate Hunting Horn for third. Epical had tracked the pace from second but had nothing left in the stretch run and weakened to fifth ahead of Focus Group, the 5/2 favorite who similarly had no go when it really mattered. Zulu Alpha, Village King, and Kulin Rock completed the order of finish. Channel Maker’s win was his first since wiring the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1) here last summer and improved his overall record to 24-5-4-3. The Ontario-bred 5-year-old gelded son of English Channel has now earned $1,917,108 for co-owners Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable, and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. “I always thought the horse could go to the front or lay off it,” said co-owner Randy Hill. “He has tactical speed and there was speed in the race today. Joel rode a perfect race and was right where he needed to be. The horse bounced back off of two subpar performances.” Channel Maker returned $15.60 to win, $7.20 to place, and $4.90 to show. Arklow brought back $7 to place and $4.30 to show, while Magic Wand paid $3.60 to show.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Pre-Draw: What Post Each Horse Needs To Win | Blinkers Off 663 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Kentucky Derby First Look and NHL/NBA Playoff Update | Dudes Who Bet Sports 189 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss the probable for the 150th… Read More
2024 Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles – How Each Horse Can Win | Blinkers Off 662 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Keeneland Pick 5 | The Magic Mike Show 542 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
NBA & NHL Playoff Previews & Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 188 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss OJ Simpson, UConn’s national championship… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 Post Draw LIVE Coverage The Racing Dudes team is LIVE covering the post draw… Read More
Kentucky Derby Contenders: Get To Know The Field The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) will take… Read More
Churchill Downs FREE Win Picks | Saturday, April 27, 2024 Get our FREE win picks for Churchill Downs on Saturday,… Read More
Santa Anita Park Picks | Royal Heroine Stakes 2024 Multiple graded stakes winner Bellabel and a new arrival to… Read More
Aqueduct Picks | Woodhaven Stakes 2024 West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey’s Grade 1-winner Carson’s Run… Read More