—Apr 7— Following on the heals of She’s a Julie’s stunning upset of Monomoy Girl in the Ashland Stakes, Kanthaka, the 4/1 third choice in the betting, upset race favorite, Mendelssohn, to win the first division of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington.
One race later, Good Magic struck a much-needed blow for favorites, delivering a one length win over Flameaway as the 1/5 favorite in the second division.
Kanthaka’s half-length score offered plenty of drama. After running down Blended Citizen and seemingly in command of the race down the stretch, Kanthaka seemed to hang, allowing both Blended Citizen and Mendelssohn to get back into the race. Fortunately for Kanthaka and jockey, Julien Leparoux (who is mired in a horrendous slump, winning just one of his thirty mounts), Kanthaka had enough in reserve to prevail.
The second division assumed a similar race pattern. Good Magic broke somewhat tardily but quickly spurt to a large lead entering the final furlong. Flameaway, racing second at this point, appeared well-beaten. But similar to Kanthaka, Good Magic appeared to hang, allowing Flameaway time to rally.
Retro Horse Racing Game 