Elusive Danzer(KY) snatches victory in Ray Jackson Special

Elusive Danzer(KY) displayed another exceelnt closing effort to capture this week’s Ray Jackson Special. Overtaking the leader midway down the stretch, he cruised to a one length victory. This was the third victory in five runs for the colt, and his first stakes victory. He stepped up his game considerably, posting a career best 83.8 speed mark, improving on his previous best by over eight points. His piece of the purse takes his career earnings to $94470, for a mark of nearly just under $19K per race. The stakes victory also bumps him up to a rank of 31 in the Juvenile Turf Sprint Division. Savvy bettors did passingly well today, with the winner paying $7.90 $4.50 $3.20 across the board. The exacta paid $33.80, but the real money was in the trifecta, which paid $184.10 on a two dollar bet.

King Kamehamerat(JPN) provided the early speed, shadowed by One Cool Storm(IRE) right up to the half. As they crossed the half, King Kamehamerat(JPN) managed to finally open up a little cushion, but it was short lived with the closers close off the pace. He managed to hold on to a lead into the stretch after opening up nearly a two length cushion, but Elusive Danzer(KY) was able to catch him about half way home, and romp to a one length victory at the wire. King Kamehamerat(JPN) held on to second place honors, showing some good stamina on short rest. The Twister(AUS), at his underrated 7/1 odds rounded out the trifecta coming in four and a half lengths out at the wire.