In a dramatic photo finish involving three horses, Mind Control was declared the victor by a nose over a stout-closing Hog Creek Hustle and Shancelot in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.
In a dramatic photo finish involving three horses, Mind Control was declared the victor by a nose over a stout-closing Hog Creek Hustle and Shancelot in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.
The 3-year-old son of Stay Thirsty is perfect in two starts at the Spa, having won last year’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes while on the front end. John Velazquez gave him a stalking trip in the Jerkens, and he cut through horses late to get the win. The seven furlongs went in 1:21.43.
With Shancelot a strong 3-10 favorite, Mind Control paid $22.80.
Shancelot, by Shanghai Bobby, ran off the screen July 28 in the Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes, winning by 12 1/2 lengths and getting 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:14.01. Owned by Ivan Rodriguez, Albert Crawford, and Michelle Crawford, he’s trained by Jorge Navarro.
Perhaps the “Graveyard of Favorites” and an additional half-furlong got the best of him. Dropping a Grade 1 race by two noses should hardly tarnish his speedy reputation.—Evan Hammonds