Red Mile: Creatine nips Sebastian K in Allerage

At the head of the stretch in the $173,000 Allerage Farms open trot at the Red Mile on Sunday, Sebastian K appeared set to deliver the victory most people expected. But the wire didn’t come fast enough and last year’s Kentucky Futurity winner found his way to the winner’s circle once again.

Creatine sprinted off the wings of the gate to the lead with a 26 4/5 opening quarter before eventually giving way to a quick move from Master Of Law into a sizzling 27-second quarter. Sebastian K and driver Ake Svanstedt continued the changing of the guard on the lead when the pair marched to the front before the five-eighths marker.

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Opening up with every stride, Sebastian K was in charge, and when Master Of Law broke by three quarters in 1:21 4/5, it appeared that the race would be over. Somehow driver Trace Tetrick avoided any trouble while sitting behind Master Of Law and began to ask Creatine for more.

It was a slow methodical move by Creatine, but he got his head up at the wire over Sebastian K in a strong 1:51 2/5 considering the somewhat windy conditions and chilly temperatures.

Wishing Stone closed to finish third.

Derick Giwner Bob and Lynda Stewart

“Scotty (Zeron, Master Of Law) did a great job getting the horse out of the way and that way I didn’t lose a lot of momentum,” said the 28-year-old Tetrick, who despite recent success seems content with staying in the Midwest. “I’m satisfied where I am right now (Hoosier Park). I will go back out east this winter. Time will tell. I don’t want to move too quickly.”

Trainer Bob Stewart admitted to being concerned with his chances, especially early in the mile.

“I was afraid that the 26 quarter would take something out of him. People think 26 quarters are the norm nowadays, but a 26 opening quarter is quick here,” said Stewart.

Creatine returned $64.80 to win and added $86,500 to his already million-plus in earnings for Diamond Creek Racing. The 4-year-old by Andover Hall is expected to compete in Europe in 2014.