Trainer John Sadler's French-bred Bran reeled in pacesetter Artemus Citylimits with a sustained stretch drive and won the $1-million FanDuel Turf Sprint (G2) by a neck Saturday at Kentucky Downs
The 4-year-old Muhaarar gelding covered the six-furlong event for 3-year-olds and up in 1:07.41, a course record, on firm turf.
Bran, who is campaigned by Hronis Racing, earned an automatic, fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) Nov. 5 at Keeneland as the FanDuel Turf Sprint is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge “Win and You're In” series.
Ideally positioned in seventh through Artemus Citylimits' opening quarter in :21.51, Bran advanced between rivals to fourth as the half mile went in :43.97. Angling four wide entering the stretch, he unleashed a willing rally for jockey Vincent Cheminaud and overhauled the front-runner late to get the victory. He returned $25.56.
Arrest Me Red checked in third, one length behind Artemus Citylimits.
Bran's record stands at 7-4-4 from 21 lifetime starts. The $320,540 winner's share of the Turf Sprint purse increased his purse earnings to $678,932. He was bred by Lordship Stud from the King's Best mare Best Intent.
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