For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
ROYAL AGO EDGES SARATOGA YANKEE IN THRILLING FINISH
OKLAHOMA CITY – In a photo-finish for the win, Royal Ago kept his Remington Park and turf record perfect by getting his nose to the finish ahead of Saratoga Yankee’s in Thursday’s $29,440 allowance feature at 1-1/16 miles over the turf.
Owned by the Arlington, Texas partnership of Keith and Steve Asmussen, Royal Ago is trained by Steve Asmussen and was ridden to victory by Aaron Gryder. The 3-year-old colt came on with a wide closing rally throughout the stretch to lead only when it counted, at the finish.
Runner-up Saratoga Yankee was bottled up in traffic around the final turn of the race. Jockey Cliff Berry was finally able to get his colt clear in mid-stretch. He was full of run near the rail but settled for the narrow defeat to the 8-5 favorite Royal Ago. Okietate led briefly deep in the stretch before being passed on both sides by the top two finishers.
Royal Ago handled the distance in 1:43.11 over firm going and paid $5.20 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. Saratoga Yankee returned $4.80 to place and $4 to show. Okietate paid $5.20 to show.
A Kentucky-bred colt by Royal Academy from the Northern Dancer mare Ladyago, Royal Ago won his third career race from five attempts. The win was his second straight at Remington Park, both scores coming over the turf course. He earned $16,920 for the effort to run his career bankroll to $44,484.
Gryder, along with Berry, each won two races Thursday to remain tied at the top of the Remington Park standings with 26 victories.
The Remington Park Thoroughbred Season continues thru Saturday this week with racing the next two nights starting at 6:30pm.
The 22nd-running of the Oklahoma Derby will be contested on Sunday, Oct. 10, the lone Sunday of racing this season. The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby headlines a stellar card that includes the $200,000 Remington Park Oaks and the $150,000 Remington Green Stakes. The first race on Oklahoma Derby Day is at 1:30pm.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
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Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
