Fresh off a quick allowance victory 36 days in the past, Harrodsburg remained in high kind when he shot to the entrance early and led each step of the way in which to defeat hard-charging 8-5 favourite Builtby a half-length in Saturday’s sixteenth working of the $275,000 Bango (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by Luis Saez, Harrodsburg clocked 6½ furlongs over a sloppy (sealed) monitor in 1:15.95 for coach Mike Tomlinson and house owners Rod Hatfield and Bud Hatfield.
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The triumph for the Kentucky-bred Constitution gelding was price $168,105 and boosted his bankroll to $670,387 with a report of 7-3-3 in 19 begins.
Breaking from publish No. 2 within the area of six sprinters, Harrodsburg broke on high with a size benefit over Gold Sweep down the backstretch and across the flip in :22.90 and :45.36. Built, who chased from third, moved into rivalry on the flip. Harrodsburg had a size lead on the head of the stretch and refused to present in to Built’s resolute problem and held on for the win – his first stakes victory.
“He had to battle today,” Saez mentioned. “He dug in to make sure he stayed in front. He lays it on the line every time and always gives you everything he has.”
Harrodsburg, who entered the race off an allowance/optional-claiming win over a sloppy monitor at Churchill Downs on May 22, returned $8.90 for the win because the 3-1 third betting selection. Built, underneath Irad Ortiz Jr. outfinished U Devil You by three lengths for second.
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Gold Sweep, Extra Anejo and 2-1 second selection Dr. Venkman accomplished the order of end. Cornucopian, the Aristides (G3) winner and even-money morning line favourite, was scratched.
Harrodsburg is a 6-year-old out of the Exchange Rate mare Gracer. He was bred by Twin Creeks Farm.
“He’s been a project for us, but the thing that’s so impressive about him is that he tries so hard every time,” Tomlinson mentioned. “He’s very dangerous when he gets on the lead like he did today and battles every step of the way. We’ll let him tell us what to do next, but there are plenty of options for him this summer, whether it’s here at Ellis or Saratoga.”
The Bango Stakes was renamed this yr in honor of Churchill Downs’ all-time winningest horse, who gained this race in 2021 and 2023. Owned and bred by Fred and Debbie Schwartz’ Tamaroak Partners, Bango gained a report 12 races beneath the historic Twin Spires for coach Greg Foley. A son of Congrats, Bango’s profession spanned 42 races whereas incomes $1.6 million.
This story was initially printed by Paulick Report on Jun 28, 2026, the place it first appeared within the News part. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.