Colonel Sharp catches Union Blues in Coalition Stakes

Colonel Sharp had raced well but came up short in his three most recent races, including two stakes. On Saturday at Timonium, he refused to be beaten and wore down a game Union Blues in the $75,000 Coalition Stakes to win by three-quarters of a length.

Union Blues, who was coming off a second-level optional-claiming win at Laurel Park, sprinted to the lead in the 6 1/2-furlong Coalition. He was prompted from the outside by 9-5 favorite Even Thunder, while jockey J.D. Acosta wrested Colonel Sharp back into third position. Heading to the second turn, Even Thunder dropped back and Acosta sent Colonel Sharp after Union Blues.

Union Blues maintained an open lead into the stretch but Colonel Sharp went by to score the victory. Rockinn On Bye, as is his style, rallied from far back to get up for second, a neck ahead of Union Blues. Even Thunder tired to finish sixth.

Colonel Sharp, who is trained by Hugh McMahon, paid $6.60 as the second choice. He was timed in 1:16.09.

A 5-year-old gelded son of Colonel John owned by Rising Sun Racing Stables, Colonel Sharp is now 6 for 21 in his career. The Coalition is his first stakes win.

"It was a perfect stalking trip, he was able to save ground," McMahon said. "He's really progressing. He's had a few unfortunate trips but this kind of justified him today."