Hopes were high when Must Be the Money (Paynter) made his first start Wednesday for trainer Paul McGee. The betting public agreed, pushing the bay colt down into the 3-2 favorite's slot as the field loaded into the gate at Churchill Downs. But, when the latches sprung open and the field came away, Must Be the Money was caught flat-footed and quickly found himself in chase mode at the back of the pack. Able to weave his way through the field to be an outside fifth at the top of the stretch, he rallied widest of all and, despite trying to lug in down the lane, powered past the leading pair in the final sixteenth for the clear victory.
Speaking to Paul Lo Duca after the race, winning trainer Paul McGee admitted, “Oh certainly [I was nervous] (referencing the break). He's been breezing from the gate exceptionally well so it really threw me for a loop when he got away like that. It was a horrible start but he sure did make up for it late in the race.”
A bay son of GI TVG.com Haskell S. winner Paynter, Must Be the Money races for owner Silverton Hill LLC and is the first winner and second foal out of the Congrats mare Spider Walkin, herself a half-sister to GSP Bizwhacks (Fed Biz). Just a $50,000 KEESEP yearling last year, he's now more than earned back his purchase price in just his first start.
“Being by Paynter, he should stretch out,” McGee continued. “And we're hoping for good things to come.”
In a message to the TDN, McGee confirmed Must Be the Money's next step.
“Likely an allowance race at Keeneland or the Churchill November meet. [We'll] stretch him out.”
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