by Ron Parker

Ryan’s for Real battled back after being headed by 4-to-5 favorite Fairbanks and powered away late to win the inaugural running of the $200,000 Bill Hartack Memorial Handicap (G3) by 3 1/2 lengths at Hawthorne Race Course on Saturday.

The 1 1/8-mile Bill Hartack, formerly known as the National Jockey Club Handicap, drew five contenders. Ryan’s for Real seized the lead under jockey Erick Rodriguez with Fairbanks and jockey Mike Smith pushing the leader through six furlongs in 1:12.05.

Going into the far turn, Fairbanks surged briefly to the lead but Ryan’s for Real quickly responded and regained the advantage. The five-year-old Sword Dance (Ire) gelding increased his advantage in the stretch en route to a victory in 1:51.18 on a track rated as fast.

Grade 3 winner Fairbanks finished 5 ½ lengths clear of third-place finisher Mr. Champ.

Grade 2-placed Ryan’s for Real, who was purchased privately this year by Rob Ry Farm, Bob Haynes, and Jayne Marie Slysz, recorded his first career stakes win.

Ryan’s for Real entered off an unplaced finish in the Carter Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct on April 7 in his first start for new trainer Dale Capuano.

Bred in Florida by Gilbert Campbell, Ryan’s for Real increased his earnings to $331,805 with seven wins in 25 starts. Out of the Unreal Zeal mare Beaties for Real, Ryan’s for Real is a full brother to Grade 3 winner Friel’s for Real and stakes winner Little Thunder.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer