NEWS
Mister Marti Gras takes Washington Park
Posted: Saturday, September 03, 2011 7:50 PM
MISTER MARTI GRAS
FourFootedFotos.com
For video of the Washington Park Handicap, click here.
by Tim Nichols
Mister Marti Gras closed from well off the pace on Saturday to capture the $100,000 Washington Park Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park.
Trained by Chris Block for owner-breeder Lothenbach Stables, Mister Marti Gras raced in seventh through a half-mile before advancing on the far turn. Fourth in early stretch, the four-year-old Belong to Me gelding lengthened stride and caught pacesetter and 8-to-5 favorite Workin for Hops in the final strides to win by a neck.
“I took my shot pretty good and my horse ran very hard,” winning jockey Eddie Perez said. “He handled the Polytrack fine but he would have won by more on the grass.”
Workin for Hops finished second, but was disqualified and placed third after veering out in late stretch.
Mister Marti Gras improved to five wins, five seconds, and one third in 17 starts and earnings of $416,996.
Bred in Kentucky, Mister Marti Gras is one of four winners out of seven starters from stakes-placed winner Miss Marta, by Cure the Blues.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Tim Nichols is internet content editor of Thoroughbred Times
