—Jan 27—Hard Study repelled a late challenge from Bill Mott’s talented four-year-old gelding, Channel Maker, and held on to win the $200,000 Grade III W. L. McKnight Handicap at Gulfstream Park by three-quarters of a length on Saturday. Trained by Todd Pletcher and well-ridden by John Velazquez, Hard Study paid $7.80 for the win.
After being forwardly placed early, Channel Maker fell back during the race’s middle stages and was forced to rally entering the stretch. After pulling even with Hard Study in deep stretch, he was unable to match strides with the winner.
Oscar Nominated finished third, a half-length behind Channel Maker. Hi Happy, the 8/5 race favorite finished a dull fourth, followed by Big Dollar Bill and Nessy.
Retro Horse Racing Game 