POCKET PATCH PREVAILS IN MARYLAND MILLION TURF
LAUREL, MD. 10-02-10----Charles McGill’s Pocket Patch finished off-the-board in this race last year but proved to be better than that when he scored his first stakes victory in the $100,000 Jim McKay Maryland Million Turf today at Laurel Park.
Tracking the leader all the way around in the nine furlong contest, Pocket Patch and Jonathan Joyce edged by Eighttofasttocatch at the top of the lane and drew off to win by 3-1/2 lengths. Ham and Ernie rallied very late to nail Eighttofasttocatch for second.
“Jonathan did a great job of getting him relaxed,” said Flint Stites, who conditions Pocket Patch at the Bowie Training Center. “It was a perfect ride, exactly what I wanted. In the past he’s been slow getting off, he gets behind, he has to check. Today most of the speed was way outside.”
The winner, a son of Partner’s Hero, stopped the timer in 1:52.30 and paid $14.
“He was very comfortable after the break,” said Joyce. “I had a good hold on him down the backside. He rated good off the leader and when I asked him to go he had it. When horses come to him, he really tells you where he is. I’m glad I could get this for Flint Stites.”
Stites and Joyce teamed up last year to win the Maryland Million Distaff with All Giving.
-mjc-
PHOTO CREDIT-Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club
Mike Gathagan
Vice President-Communications
Maryland Jockey Club
410-578-4461 (Pimlico)
301-470-5461 (Laurel Park)
240-876-7403 (Mobile)
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