Apalachee Bay changes tactics, wins John Longden 6000

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Apalachee Bay surprisingly came from a stalking position to win the $50,000 John Longden 6000 at Hastings Sunday.

Surprisingly, because trainer Phil Hall was expecting the 4-year-old son of Malibu Moon to set the pace in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. Instead, with Amadeo Perez aboard, he sat just off Pitch Count and Driller who dueled through a half-mile in 47.64 seconds. Apalachee Bay made a strong move around while going three-wide around the stretch turn, took the lead turning for home, and held off the late run by his stablemate Calgary Caper. The winning margin was two lengths. Pitch Count finished third.

Bred in Kentucky, Apalachee Bay paid $6.60 and posted a final time of 1:44.40.

“The plan was for him to be in front but he doesn’t really need to be on the lead,” said Hall. “Amadeo gave him a great ride.”

Apalachee Bay is owned by Peter Redekop. Redekop also owns Anothertwistafate who forced a fast pace before finishing tenth in the Preakness. During the post-race interview, Redekop said Anothertwistafate had a small chip in his ankle removed and will be returning to the races in late summer.