Ben’s Cat Remains Unbeaten After Winning Mister Diz Stakes
The son of Parker’s Storm Cat, who was bred by owner-trainer King T. Leatherbury, covered the six furlong distance in 1:09.08. Rosemary Homeister Jr. steered Ben’s Cat wide from the start and kept after him in the lane to win his first try on the turf. Ben’s Cat finished 1-1/2 lengths ahead of longshot, Sandbaggin’ Lover. Celtic Innis finished third.
Ben’s Cat paid $7.20. The exacta returned $115.80 and the triple paid $4,230.
“He’s an amazing horse,” said Homeister. “He was four-for-four going into this race so the pressure was on, especially first time running on the turf course because it was a little soft. He actually handled it very well. Usually he’s in front so he showed a little different way of running style, so hopefully that will help him down the road. I was concerned a little when he didn’t break as sharp as his dirt form but I think that it worked to his benefit that he didn’t get stuck behind a bunch of horses. He had a clear trip all the way and in the lane he actually did a little swerve the last eighth of a mile. I think he was looking at the grandstand. Once I got back into him he kicked on again.”
Ben’s Cat suffered a broken pelvis before he made his first start and after be began his winning tear, repaid Leatherbury’s with lifetime victory number 6,300 earlier this year. Leatherbury said, “He had to stay in the stall for six months and finally it healed properly so obviously it’s not bothering him now. I have a Maryland Million horse this year.”
Ben’s Cat ran as part of an entry with multiple stakes winner Ah Day. “Ah Day didn’t run his race but he’s never been a turf horse,” Leatherbury added. “He’ll come around next time.” Leatherbury indicated he has races in mind for both Ben’s Cat and Ah Day on Maryland Million day.
Ah Day finished seventh, beating post time favorite Heros Reward by a head.
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