7th-Churchill Downs, $92,690, Msw, 6-26, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:05.44, ft, neck.
MARDUKAS (c, 2, Always Dreaming–Blue Kisses, by Pulpit) pulled off a 44-1 shocker to become his freshman sire (by Bodemeister)'s first winner in his second career start, a notable improvement from his prior effort at track and trip when he finished seventh June 8. Tracking from third on the fence early, he rode the saved ground into the lane after a :46.24 half, and prevailed late by a neck in a long drive for home. Cortese (Speightster) followed him in for second over 6-5 favorite Clear the Deck (Army Mule). A modest $20,000 FTKOCT buy for his connections, Mardukas is the third winner from as many to race for his dam. He has a pair of half-sisters, a yearling by Bolt d'Oro and a 2022 foal by Vekoma. The female family is quiet closer up but third dam Saratoga Babe (Saratoga Six) claims no fewer than ten black-type earners beneath her. Further down the page, MGISW, millionaire Videogenic (Caucasus) and GI King's Bishop S. winner Valid Video (Valid Wager) make an appearance as well. Sales history: $20,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $53,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.
O-Daniel Preiss and Chris Province; B-Hubert Vester (KY); T-Jeff Engler.
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