BIG MATT(IRE) Stakes lives up to billing

Despite a decided lack of entrants, this year’s eight furlong BIG MATT(IRE) Stakes didn’t lack quality or exciting action. Running for the top share of the $55,000 purse, Astrono Gold(KY) went in the favorite and came out the same, coming from off the lead to take the victory in 1:35 2/5.

As predicted, Ajra Garbage(ENG) broke well and immediately went to the head of the pack, setting the pace and pulling out to a two-length lead shortly after the quarter-mile mark. Astrono Gold settled in behind the leader, with my pick, Coastal Fury(KY), settling in about another length-and-a-half back. Silver Baron(JPN) brought up the back, as he likes to do, six lengths off the pace.

The stalkers began to make their move at the halfway point, and Astrono Gold pulled even by the time the runners had reached the stretch. It looked like Ajra Garbage might be able to reach down and hold off the late chargers, but he didn’t have enough left. Astrono Gold made the pass and charged down the stretch, while Ajra Garbage faded and allowed Coastal Fury to slide into second during his own late-race move. That’s the way they came across the wire, with Silver Baron 12 lengths back and unable to challenge. The win was Astrono Gold’s second in a row and first of the stakes variety.

Astrono Gold and jock T Roberts ran a speed of 100 and paid $4.10 for the win. Coastal Fury paid $3.00 to place and Ajra Garbage went 2.10 to show. The exacta went for $6.90 and the trifecta for $10.50.