Nitrous best in Thanksgiving Classic under well-timed ride

Nitrous paid his first visit to the winner’s circle since April 2019 when he rallied to a definitive victory in the $125,000 Thanksgiving Classic on Thursday, opening day at Fair Grounds.

Trained by Steve Asmussen for his breeder, Winchell Thoroughbreds, and Stonestreet Stables, Nitrous was patiently handled by jockey Adam Beschizza, who let Bobby’s Wicked One and Landeskog duel on a hot pace before playing his hand.

Bobby’s Wicked One, who won a lesser renewal of this race a year ago, broke on top but quickly was engaged by Landeskog, the pair ripping through an opening quarter mile in 21.52 seconds as Nitrous raced outside in fifth. Bobby’s Wicked One was finished before the three-furlong pole, going on to his third straight bad loss, and Landeskog took over on a clear lead, but Nitrous had moved three wide into contention around the turn and had Landeskog in his sites after a half-mile in 44.60.

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Nitrous pushed resolutely forward, collared the leader at about the furlong pole, and had plenty left to hold clear a belated bid from Manny Wah, winning by 1 1/2 lengths. Mr Money Bags, a half-length behind Manny Wah, edged Landeskogby a length for third with Tringale beating only Bobby’s Wicked One to the wire. Chublicious and He’s Smokin’ Now were scratched.

Nitrous paid $8.60 to win and ran six furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.78.

A 4-year-old colt by Tapit out of Speedinthruthecity, by City Zip, Nitrous finished third in the 2018 Hopeful Stakes and won the Bachelor at Oaklawn during spring of his 3-year-old season. That marked his last win before Thursday, but Nitrous showed plenty of life finishing third, beaten just a head, in the Grade 3 De Francis Memorial on Oct. 3 at Laurel. Just shy of getting home in Maryland, Nitrous left no doubt on Thanksgiving in Louisiana.