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| Bolt The Duer Winning the Cleveland Classic (Photo courtesy of J.J. Zzamaiko Photography) |
Bolt The Duer briefly led through
the first 1/8 of the mile before releasing Pet Rock (Douglas McNair) to the
front through an opening fraction of 27.2.
Pet Rock yielded to Thinking Out Loud (David Miller) through a half in
54.4. Thinking out Loud led through
three-quarters at 1:22.1 before tiring in the stretch. Driver Mark MacDonald tipped Bolt The Duer
around the last turn and got up to win by ¾ of a length over Pet Rock.
Also completing this year’s
Classic the field were Rockin Finish, Mortal Zin and A Rocknroll Dance.
“He’s got great tactical speed,”
said MacDonald, “He’s a great horse and he dug in down the stretch and got the
job done. He just never stops coming.”
The win came just three days after
the passing of one of Bolt The Duer’s owners. John M. Como Sr. died Wednesday
at the age of 88. “Mr. Como was a gentleman to be around,” commented MacDonald.
“He loved this horse and he loved racing.”
It was the 15 career victory for
Bolt The Duer and increased his bankroll to $1,116,668. This son of Ponder, out of the Artsplace
mare, Wonderbolt has a lifetime mark of 1:47.4.
“I am just delighted to end the
season like this,” said Foley. “Although this was the last race for this year, he
will be back in 2013. He is a beautiful
horse and I am sure he will get even better.
We look forward to racing him next year.”
Bolt The Duer paid $10.00, $4.60
and $2.20. Pet Rock, paid $5.60 and $2.20 to place and Thinking Out Loud paid
$2.10 to show.
