Loki's Vengeance turns the tables to win Thunder Rumble

What a difference a year makes.

Last November, Loki’s Vengeance finished sixth of nine in the Thunder Rumble division of the New York Stallion Stakes at Aqueduct. On Sunday, despite facing four of the same rivals he did that day, Loki’s Vengeance turned the tables and recorded a half-length victory in the $125,000 stakes restricted to progeny of New York-based stallions.

Despite breaking from an inside post, Loki’s Vengeance worked out a three-wide stalking trip under Jose Ortiz, who won three of the last four races on Sunday’s card and finished second in the finale.

Ortiz sat third as Readthebyline – last year’s winner of this race – set the pace stalked by Geaux Mets, who ran third in this race last year. Approaching the top of the stretch, Loki’s Vengeance was with the leaders, and he was able to shake a stubborn Geaux Mets through the lane. Geaux Mets, under Irad Ortiz Jr., held off a late run from the 6-5 favorite Empire Dreams to get second by a nose.

“Jose rode him just right,” said Mike Hushion, who trains Loki’s Vengeance for Blue Bison Stable. “He didn't have to take too much hold of him, he didn't have to move too early on him, so it worked out well to get that seven-eighths.”

Two starts back, Loki’s Vengeance won a third-level allowance race. The horse who finished third that day, Green Gratto, won Thursday’s Grade 3 Fall Highweight Handicap, the first of nine stakes run this weekend.

Loki’s Vengeance, who was coming out of a sixth-place finish in the Hudson Handicap last month, won for the seventh time in 17 starts. He ran seven furlongs in 1:24.13 and returned $8.60 as the second choice in the wagering.

Finishing behind Empire Dreams in order were Readthebyline, John’s Island, Comandante, and West Hills Giant.

After two dark days, racing resumes Wednesday with a nine-race card that will include a pick six carryover of $35,204. First post is 12:20 p.m.