Pass the Gravy pours it on in Sun Power Stakes

Thanksgiving still is a few days away but Pass the Gravy celebrated early, feasting on his fellow Illinois-breds Saturday night at Hawthorne in the $82,750 Sun Power Stakes.

A close fourth while racing wide at the top of the Hawthorne homestretch, Pass the Gravy really poured it on during the final furlong, drawing clear to win by 4 1/2 lengths. Rodney Prescott, recently relocated to Hawthorne following the end of the Indiana Grand meet, rode the winner for trainer Larry Rivelli, who is part-owner of the colt with Richard Ravin and V-Leaf Stable.

Pass the Gravy was a sharp debut winner over the Arlington Polytrack on Sept. 2, but dueled and faded to fifth last month at Hawthorne trying dirt in a first-level allowance. Racing on Lasix for the first time Saturday, Pass the Gravy made good use of an outside draw as Prescott stalked in the clear while Run for Charlie opened up on the lead, setting splits of 22.10 and 46.05. Four horses fanned across the track turning for home, including even-money favorite Ghaaleb’s Winner, but it was Pass the Gravy moving with a flourish.

The winner was timed in 1:11.20 for six furlongs on a track upgraded from muddy to good during the card, and paid $21.50 to win. Caleb’s Heir finished second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of third-place Ghaaleb’s Winner, who ran one-paced through the homestretch.

Rivelli and Ravin bred Pass the Gravy, who is by Afleet Alex and out of the Light the Fuse mare Jasmine and Daisys.