Royal Currier ends long drought by taking Hockessin Stakes
Bettors had a tough time distinguishing between trainer David Jacobson’s uncoupled entry of Immortal Eyes and Royal Currier on Wednesday at Delaware Park, sending both horses off as the 5-2 co-second choices among seven sprinters in the $50,250 Hockessin Stakes.
Those who backed Royal Currier were rewarded when the 6-year-old gelding, winless in 13 starts over parts of the last three seasons, rallied along the rail under Trevor McCarthy to win the six-furlong overnight stakes by three-quarters of a length over pacesetter King Henry.
Immoral Eyes, a millionaire with 19 lifetime victories, disappointed his backers, however, by racing at the back of pack and beating just one horse.
Royal Currier ($7.20) earned his ninth career stakes win and 13th lifetime victory, boosting his bankroll to $807,924, by running the distance in 1:09.92. It was his first victory since he took the Teddy Drone at Monmouth Park in July 2012 and his first win at Delaware Park since September 2010.
Jacobson claimed Royal Currier three starts ago on behalf of Gold Square LLC for $100,000. He was third in each of his first two starts for his new connections.
King Henry, coming off a win in the five-furlong Penn Dash, held second by 2 ¾ lengths. Picko’s Pride, winner of last year’s Hockessin,was third as the 8-5 favorite in a field reduced by five early scratches despite sunny weather and a fast track.