Rare Cure pulls upset in Johnson Memorial

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Rare Cure outgamed 2-5 favorite Pie N Burger for a neck win in the $75,000 Bob Johnson Memorial at Lone Star Park on Saturday night. It was another half-length back in third to Lights on Broadway.

Rare Cure ($21) settled in fifth in the one-mile race, as Won CC, Guaranteed Sweep and Pie N Burger dueled together through fractions of 24.03 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.45 seconds for the half-mile mark. Rare Cure launched his bid on the second turn and rallied through the stretch, covering the distance in 1:36.18.

Eddie Martin Jr. rode the winner for trainer Joe Petalino.

Pie N Burger, who was seeking his third straight win, was hung wide in the first turn, took the lead, lost it, then came back in deep stretch. Lights on Broadway put in a strong late run for third, and was followed under the wire by Guaranteed Sweep in fourth, Won CC and Kool Humor.

Rare Cure earned $45,000 for the win, which was his 10th from 46 starts. His earnings now stand at $415,450. He races for his breeder, Larry Dyson.