Raging Bull Storms To Victory In Gr.1 Maker’s Mark Mile
Having last tasted victory in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile last May, Peter Brant’s Raging Bull exploded from off the pace to comfortably win from Ride a Comet in Friday’s Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland. Settled in a rail-hugging fifth behind Get Smokin through opening fractions of 22.47 and 45.65, the 7-2 chance made a big move to get into contention approaching the quarter pole, swung out three wide to take control at the head of the lane and drove clear to score by two lengths over the game Ride a Comet. The Chad Brown-trained stablemate Sacred Life filled the placings for third.
He was traveling so good down the backside, said Ortiz Jr. I was close to the leaders. I tried to stay in contact with the field. He broke sharp today. I had an advantage there. The first turn, I let him run then I slowed him down. He relaxed so well. He was like three or four lengths behind the leaders. I said I’m just gonna wait until it’s time to go.
Irad Ortiz Jr. continued, By the three-eighths pole, I saw some separation, so I went for it a little early. He responded well, so I just went for it. He still had something at the end. Both horses Raging Bull and stablemate and third-place finisher Sacred Life ran great, especially given the layoffs they were facing, added Brown. Raging Bull got a great trip and setup. He’s much more effective with a solid pace in front of him. Irad deserves a lot of credit for getting him into the race early and securing a great spot into the first turn.
Raging Bull, one of seven individual Group 1/Grade 1 winners for Dark Angel who also has 70 individual stakes winners.
WATCH Full Race Replay (Media Credit: Keenland via You Tube)
