Parx: I'm Sure ends seconditis with hard-fought win in Alphabet Soup

The 6-year-old gelding I’m Sure had a habit of settling for second place when he ran on turf. Prior to Saturday, I’m Sure had only one win, but five runner-up finishes among his 11 starts on grass.

I’m Sure didn’t act like a horse who’s reluctant to win in the $76,000 Alphabet Soup Handicap, however. Ridden by Sam Bermudez,

The 6-year-old gelding I’m Sure had a habit of settling for second place when he ran on turf. Prior to Saturday, I’m Sure had only one win, but five runner-up finishes among his 11 starts on grass.

I’m Sure didn’t act like a horse who’s reluctant to win in the $76,000 Alphabet Soup Handicap, however. Ridden by Samuel Bermudez, I’m Sure ($20.60) made a four-wide move to get into contention coming into the stretch, and then outfought Wannabe in the final sixteenth to prevail by a half-length in the 1/16-mile turf stakes for Pennsylvania-breds at Parx Racing.

It was the eighth win in 44 lifetime starts for I’m Sure, and the first career stakes win for jockey Bermudez and owner-trainer Luis Calderon.

Wannabe, an 8-year-old gelding claimed for $16,000 in June, was a clear second, 3 ¼ lengths in front of Cat Park. Gunslinger finished fourth as the 8-5 favorite. Defending champion Roadhog was sixth at 3-1.

The winning time on a course rated yielding was 1:46.02.

It was the eighth win in 44 lifetime starts for I’m Sure, and the first career stakes win for the son of Broken Vow, jockey Bermudez, and owner-trainer Luis Calderon. Calderon had claimed I'm Sure for $8,000 in January. Since then, I'm Sure has won 3 of 12 starts, including two races by a nose.

Wannabe, an 8-year-old gelding claimed for $16,000 in June, was a clear second, 3 1/4 lengths in front of Cat Park. Gunslinger finished fourth as the 8-5 favorite. Defending champion Roadhog was sixth at 3-1.

The winning time on a course rated yielding was 1:46.02.