King Ice takes Governor's Cup with big closing move

King Ice stormed home from last of 12 to win the $250,000 Governor’s Stakes by 3 1/2 lengths Wednesday night at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Run Away Rojo had beaten King Ice the last time the two Indiana-bred 3-year-olds had met, but the betting public showed a distinct preference for King Ice, making him the 3-5 favorite, and the chalk did not disappoint. Run Away Rojo got the trip he needed to win, stalking the pace from post 1 and finding room to run past the quarter pole, but King Ice flew past him in the final furlong to win going away.

If the timing is to be believed (the first quarter mile of this dirt route for Indiana-bred sophomores was recorded in a suspiciously slow 24.99), King Ice ran one mile and 70 yards in 1:42.18, earning a career-best 82 Beyer Speed Figure. Run Away Rojo in second was one length better than third-place Corona Grande. King Ice ($3.60) is trained by George Leonard for his breeders, L.T.B. Inc and Hillerich Racing. By Keen Ice out of Express Run, by Unbridled’s Express, King Ice was ridden to his fourth career victory by James Graham.

Before Wednesday, the Indiana-bred 3-year-old dirt route fillies have been far faster than the colts and geldings, but not on this night. Corningstone, who looked like a winner almost every step, needed 1:43.37 to cover one mile 70 yards winning the $200,000 First Lady by 2 1/2 lengths over Sassy Katie. Riley’s Redemption, an 80-1 shot, finished third, with 3-5 favorite Bluelightspecial a one-paced fourth.

Brian Hernandez rode Corningstone ($4.60) for trainer Kenny McPeek and owners Five Fillies Stable and Balios Racing Stable. By Kantharos out of Ice Women, by Street Sense, Corningstone won for the fourth time in 10 starts, though her Beyer dropped from 85 to 70.

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