Jimmy Devaux , who received the mount via a late
driver change, surprisingly hustled Runaway Energy three-deep on
the final turn and rallied his pacer alongside both Haroun Hanover and
Three Artist who were battling neck and neck .
When the trio straightened for home three- abreast and
announcer Howard Oil gave his signature “who do you like” call as they rushed
toward the finish line. About 100 yards from the wire Runaway Energy
overtook his challengers went on to a length triumph over Three Artist
and driver Zeke Parker with Jimmy Marohn and Haroun Hanover a close third
Hanover
This is a real nice animal,” Jimmy Devaux said about Runaway
Energy while getting their photo taken in the winner’s circle and then
added: “He’s the real deal”.
Although the 7 year old Bettor’s Delight gelding came into
the contest with impressive credentials his task appeared somewhat daunting
since he was matched against the powerful duo of 11-time winner Haroun Hanover
and Three Artist, who beat the aforementioned last week in a time of 1:55.3.
And when Runaway Energy made a break before the
start in the race today most railbirds counted him out. But Devaux got him back
pacing and caught the field and raced at the back of the pack until the field
was nearing the third stanza. At that point, to everyone’s surprise,
Runaway Energy joined the leaders and with a :27.4 final quarter the pacer
rambled to victory.
“It was his (Runaway Energy) first start here and he was bit
anxious behind the gate and when he made a bobble it didn’t help things,”
Devaux said about Runaway Energy’s miss-step before the start.
“We caught the field but were some still some eight lengths
behind at the half and I was really surprised how much horse I had up the
backside. When I pulled him he hit another gear and though we were in tough on
the final turn I knew we’d win it.”
Owned by his trainer Tyler Nostadt, Runaway Energy made his
first seasonal start and paid $7.90 for win.
The 20-year old trainer and aspiring driver, a recent
arrival from Canada, moved to the area with some 20 horses.
“I just need four more qualifying races to get my license,”
Nostadt offered while having his picture taken in the winner’s circle.
He also harnessed a winner earlier on the card when B
B Smash scored a 1:58 victory in the previous race on the card with driver
Jimmy Taggart, Jr. at the controls.
