Lucky Speed prevails in American St. Leger
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Irish-bred and German-based, Lucky Speed wore down British-bred Panama Hat in the final 100 yards to post a well-earned victory Saturday in the Grade 3, $350,000 American St. Leger at Arlington Park.
Given a confident and ground-saving trip by Andrasch Starke, Lucky Speed angled out for the drive to get the best of Panama Hat, who also enjoyed a comfortable journey throughout the three-turn turf race when stalking a trio of front-runners.
Lucky Speed, a 5-year-old bay horse by 2001 Arlington Million winner Silvano, returned $8 as the second choice in prevailing by three-quarters of a length. It was another four lengths back to Hyper, the 2-1 favorite.
“We knew he needed more distance, and that’s what he got today,” said Starke. “He can handle the American track very well. I am so happy – this is my first win in the United States, and to win the St. Leger is amazing.”
Owned by Stall Hornoldendorf and trained by Peter Schiergen, Lucky Speed became the third foreign winner in four runnings of the St. Leger, which first became a part of Million Day in 2012. He finished the unusual distance of 1 11/16 miles in a course-record 2:46.50 over a firm course.
After eight starts in Germany to start his career, Lucky Speed returned from a 10-month layoff in July to finish fourth in the Grade 2 Nijinsky at Woodbine in his North American debut.
Schiergen said before the St. Leger that the post-race plan was to send Lucky Speed back to Woodbine to run next in the Sept. 13 Northern Dancer and/or the Oct. 18 Canadian International.
The $2 exacta (3-1) paid $61.20, the $1 trifecta (3-1-7) returned $81.90, and the 10-cent superfecta (3-1-7-2) was worth $28.21.