Accomplished Channel Maker had things all his way in Saturday's Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, leading the 1 1/2-mile contest gate to wire with jockey Manny Franco. Franco hustled the 6-year-old gelding out of the gate early and faced initial pressure from rival Cross Border going into the first turn. After Cross Border settled a bit, Franco was able to slow the pace somewhat, going from a :22.89 opening quarter to a :49.41 half mile. As closers began rallying going into the sweeping Belmont turn, Franco asked Channel Maker for run early into the turn, and pressed him in the last furlong, where he kept daylight between himself and Laccario. The Bill Mott trainee was never seriously threatened and finished with his characteristic high-headed running style.
Mott also saddled the winner of the G2 Gallant Bloom earlier in the card.
This is Channel Maker's second victory in the Joe Hirsch, including his win in the 2018 edition. He was second in last year's race.
He is owned by Gary Barter, Wachtel Stable, R.A. Hill Stable and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. His previous credits include a win last out in the G1 Sword Dancer as well as last year's G1 Man o' War, and the G2 Bowling Green in 2018.
Channel Maker was bred in Ontario by Tall Oaks Farm and is the son of English Channel and Horse Chestnut (SAF) mare In Return.
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