Irish-bred Balnikhov deftly wove through traffic in the stretch, then came flying on the outside to catch front-runner Wit late and win the $300,000 Bryan Station (G3) for 3-year-old turf runners Saturday at Keeneland.
With Tyler Gaffalione aboard for trainer Phil D'Amato, Balnikhov came from next to last in the 12-horse field and scored by a neck while covering one mile in 1:35.48 on a fast track. He retuned $15.28.
Wit, the 2-1 favorite, hung on for second, and was a half length to the good of third-place finisher Axthelm.
Belmont Derby (G1) winner Classic Causeway dictated the early pace, leading through six furlongs in 1:11.87 but was swamped in the final furlong and finished sixth.
A son of Adaay owned by Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, and Old Bones Racing Stable LLC,, Balnikhov began his career in France before notching his first U.S. win and first stakes victory in the Oceanside Stakes July 22 at Del Mar. He was a creditable fourth in the Del Mar Derby (G2) Sept. 3 in his start prior to the Bryan Station. He was ready to race Saturday and broke through for his first graded win with a gutsy performance.
Balnikhov, whose dam is the First Defence mare Leeward, has an overall record of 5-3-2 from 14 starts and $398,343 in earnings. His record includes a runner-up finish in the American Turf (G2) in May at Churchill Downs after finishing second in the listed Singletary Stakes April 2 at Santa Anita in his U.S. debut.
BRYAN STATION (G3) QUOTES
Billy Koch (of Little Red Feather Racing, co-owner of winner Balnikhov): “(Jockey) Tyler (Gaffalione) did an amazing job. That was a crazy ride. I haven't even watched the replay, but I know he was buried down on the rail. It got a little nerve-wracking, but then I saw once he got clear – he has that big turn of foot. Congratulations to (co-owner) Madaket (Stables) and Sol (Kumin of Madaket), Andrew Molasky (of co-owner Old Bones Racing Stable) – I know he's watching too. And (trainer) Phil (D'Amato), what an incredible job. Special thanks to (trainer) Chris Davis, who helped us out while we were here. Incredible ride by Tyler. To all the Little Red Feather (Racing) partners out there, congratulations. Listen, any day at Keeneland is amazing. The weather's been beautiful and the people here are so nice and so gracious. So any win at Keeneland is special, but to win a race like this is really special.”
Tyler Gaffalione (winning rider): “I want to thank the connections for this opportunity. That was a lot of fun to ride. Also (California-based jockey) Umberto Rispoli (who rode Balnikhov at Del Mar in his previous two races) – he helped me out a lot, telling me how to ride the horse. It worked out well. Man, he's got some turn of foot. All I had to do was find space. I was wanting to get out but they were fanning out. A spot opened up inside and I followed Joel (Rosario on Ready to Purrform) and I was able to find some room.”
Jose Ortiz (rider of runner-up Wit): “Horse had a great run. We hit the quarter pole and I was just waiting, and I was able to wait as long as I wanted to. When I asked him to go, he just ran really nicely. The last couple jumps the horse (Balnikhov) came running and beat us. I think my horse ran a very good race and I had no problem with my trip. It was perfect.”
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