Brass Hat Wins MassCap
"It's been too long," track announcer Larry Collmus told the festive crowd of 19,191 at Suffolk Downs this afternoon as the field for the first Massachusetts Handicap run since 2004 was loaded in the gate for the 1 1/8 mile race. The bell rang: 3-5 favorite Fairbanks bobbled at the break and longshot Fire Striker went to the front, setting slow fractions of :24.45 and :49.37 through the first half. Stalking Fairbanks took the lead at the 3/4 mark; Brass Hat, never far behind, moved on the frontrunner at the top of the stretch and ground Fairbanks down, eventually drawing away to a 3/4 length win ($10.20). "I love this game!" cried Brass Hat's groom as he ran towards the track to collect his charge. Final time for the race was 1:49.72, good for a Beyer speed figure of 98. Dr. Pleasure was third, Evening Attire fourth. "The horse ran a hell of a race," said beaming owner Fred Bradley after. "We'll be back next year, if the horse is sound."
Brass Hat takes the lead from Fairbanks in the stretch.
Brass Hat and connections in the Suffolk winner's circle.
Brass Hat heads to the test barn after winning the MassCap.
More: "Brass Hat shines in MassCap" (BRIS), "There's no quit in Brass Hat" (Boston Herald).
Posted by JC, Sep 22, 2007 09:00 PM
Comments
Posted by James, Sep 23, 2007 01:51 PM
Jessica,
Do you know why Collmus was up there? I thought his gig was now the Jersey tracks. Was he brought in just for the day?
Great photos and comments -- sorry but not surprised that my guy Evening Attire didn't do better -- did you notice how he did out of the gate?
Posted by Teresa, Sep 23, 2007 03:35 PM
Thanks for the comments.
Teresa, with the Monmouth meet over, Collmus is splitting his time between Suffolk Downs and Meadowlands. It was great hearing his voice on Saturday -- having Collmus back in the booth really added to the feeling of resurgence and jubilance around the track.
Evening Attire broke cleanly and, considering his awkward post position, found a pretty good spot to run going into the first turn. He was such a showhorse in the post parade before the race, flagging his tail high, arching his neck, taking in the applause, and just looking like a horse happy to be at the track.
Posted by Jessica, Sep 23, 2007 09:05 PM
Great job on this blog.