Late burst of speed lands Taboo Thunder(KY) in winner’s circle

Taboo Thunder(KY) found a little something extra down the stretch, justifying his position as the race favorite by grabbing a victory in this week’s Spinning a Tale Challenge. The colt posted a very nice 106.8 speed enroute to his third straight stakes victory, dispelling any notion of a possible bounce after a previously career best outing in his last start. This was the amazing ninth victory in eleven starts for the three year old son of Thunder Gulch, and he is giving every indication that the best is yet to come. The win takes his career earnings to the $271800 mark, an enviable $25710 per race. The win also moved him into the elite ranks among three year old turf sprinters, moving him into the top ten at number ten. Bettors were not totally disappointed this week, with some decent payouts at the window for savvy handicappers. The winner paid $7.90 $4.90 $2.70 across the board. He also contributed to a $57.60 payout in the exacta, and a cash in of $208.00 in the trifecta.

Living up to their billing, Gold River Dancer(KY) and Danish Law(IRE) set the early pace, running head to head early, with Taboo Thunder sitting right off their tails. They were still dueling within a quarter length at first call, but Gold River Dancer(KY) took command as Danish Law began to fade approaching the half. Gold River Dancer(KY) led them into the second half with a length on the field, and Taboo Thunder(KY) beginning to drive to his inside. The two left the rest of the field toiling behind, as Taboo Thunder(KY) closed to a half length as they crossed into the stretch. Gold River Dancer(KY) was determined as they raced down the stretch, starting to reopen the gap a bit, but halfway down the stretch, Taboo Thunder(KY) put on a burst of speed that was just too much for the front runner. As they crossed the wire, it was Taboo Thunder(KY) by a length and three quarters, with Gold River Dancer(KY) crossing the wire in second place. First time stakes runner Astrono Gold(KY) hung tight through the second half, closing slightly down the stretch to take third place honors, six lengths out at the wire.