Michael the Man improves dramatically second time on turf in Jack Coady

Michael the Man, sixth in his only prior turf try, showed he really does have an affinity for grass as he captured the $25,000 Jack Coady Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise on Saturday.

Owned and trained by Frank Lucarelli, the 3-year-old Michael the Man ran sixth on the turf at Golden Gate last Dec. 4. This was his first start since running fifth in the Pepsi-Cola Handicap at Emerald Downs June 27.

Under Jake Barton he lagged at the back of the field of nine 3-year-oolds going a mile on the turf, swung very wide into the lane, and put in a strong sustained run to get up for the nose win over Slews Approval. It was another 4 3/4 lengths back to Midget Man with 8-5 favorite Hot Fusion fourth.

Michael the Man ran the distance in 1:34.98 and paid $18.40. The winner’s share of $15,000 pushes his career bankroll to $46,463 from 3 wins in 13 starts.

* Got an Itch showed her courage to capture the $25,000 Chandler Stakes for 3-year-old fillies going a mile on turf.

Got an Itch, owned by Just for Fun Farms LLC and trained by Molly Pearson, went right to the lead in a field of 11. She dueled with Let’s Dream Again, relinquishing the lead down the backstretch but regained it again turning for home, opened up, and held on for the length win under Ry Eikleberry. Catch Lorraine rallied for second, a head in front of Cell Line Forever, who also rallied from the back. Let’s Dream Again ran fourth. Well-regarded Wenden pressed the pace but gave way badly to finish last of 11.

Got an Itch paid $7.20 as the favorite and ran the distance in 1:35.12. She earned $15,000, boosting her career bankroll to $160,884 from 5 wins in 18 starts.