With the scratch of Grade 3 Bold Ruler winner Wondrwherecraigis, five horses remained to contest the six-furlong Gravesend, but it turned out to be a one-horse race in the end. From the break to the finish line, it was all Chateau, who took the lead a few strides out of the gate and never relinquished it, getting his first win since March's Grade 3 Tom Fool.
In his last start in the Fall Highweight, Chateau took the lead at the start, but faded to third under the race's heaviest impost of 131 pounds. Sunday, carrying 126 pounds, the 6-year-old gelding was able to run as he pleased, jockey Kendrick Carmouche putting him on the front and striding out to a 1 1/2 length lead early with Jaxon Traveler stalking. Around the race's only turn, Chateau maintained his lead, with Jaxon Traveler pressing on his outside.
Into the stretch, jockey Jose Lezcano put Jaxon Traveler to a drive, but the 3-year-old Maryland bred could not catch Chateau, who was running comfortably on the lead. At the wire, Chateau was 3 1/2 lengths in front, with Jaxon Traveler able to hold off a driving Drafted for second. Majestic Dunhill, who reared at the start and was never in contention, finished fourth and Wendell Fong completed the order of finish.
The final time for the six furlongs was 1:11.26. Find this race's chart here.
Chateau paid $5.20, $2.90, and $2.10. Jaxon Traveler paid $3.00 and $2.10. Drafted paid $2.10.
“I think the scratch [of No. 5, Wondrwherecraigis] was a factor, but I'm very happy with the way Chateau ran. He showed his speed and finished up really nice today,” trainer Rob Atras said after the race.
“When the track is favoring his type of go, he loves it. Today, I just knew I had to break, stay outside and let him run his race. He dragged me around there. He kept fighting. Every time he heard the other horse coming, he wanted a little bit more,” jockey Kendrick Carmouche told the NYRA Press Office after the Gravesend.
Bred in Kentucky by Preston Stables LLC, Chateau is by Flat Out of the With Distinction mare Distinct Sparkle. He is owned by Michael Dubb. Consigned by Four Star Sales, the 6-year-old gelding was purchased by Wayne W. Rice for $5,500 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Yearling Sale. With his win in the Gravesend, Chateau has three wins in eight starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of eight wins in 39 starts and career earnings of $615,019.
The post Chateau Goes Gate To Wire In Gravesend appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
