Gold for the King notches Thunder Rumble repeat
Gold for the King dominated the Thunder Rumble division of the New York Stallion Stakes a year ago, winning by 7 1/2 lengths. He may have been more impressive Saturday at Aqueduct, scoring a repeat victory by 9 1/4 lengths.
Tribecca moved up to press the early pace inside Loki's Vengeance in the seven-furlong sprint, while Gold for the King tracked them in third under jockey Joel Rosario. The 4-year-old Posse gelding quickly took command of the race three wide on the far turn and settled into the stretch alone on the lead with Rosario sitting still in the saddle.
Rosario put Gold for the King under a hand ride nearing the furlong pole and then took him back in hand during the final sixteenth.
"He broke well, and it looked like a couple of them were trying to challenge for the lead a little bit," Rosario said. "I just wanted to be in a stalking position, where I was, and then I took control in the turn. He was just the best horse in the race."
Gold for the King paid $2.70 and was timed in 1:24.25. In addition to Rosario, he was carrying $72,892 of the $87,695 show pool on his back in the five-horse field.
Winston's Chance, who lagged well back in last position early, finished well to get up for second by three-quarters of a length over Sudden Surprise. It was a half-length back to Tribecca in fourth.
Loki's Vengeance, who was making his fifth straight appearance in the $130,126 Thunder Rumble, backed up quickly after being passed by the winner and finished last. He was making his first start since April.
Gold for the King is now 7 for 17 for his owner and breeder Francis Paolangeli. He has been expertly managed by trainer Charlton Baker while earning $658,000.
"He did it comfortably, which I think he was supposed to do," Baker said. "He pretty much had this field over a barrel."
Paolangeli and Baker also campaigned Gold for the Queen, the dam of Gold for the King. She won five of 23 starts, including the New York Oaks and Susan B. Anthony Handicap, and earned $239,000.
