3rd-Gulfstream, $43,000, Msw, 2-22, 3yo, 7f, 1:24.21, gd.
LIAM'S POINT (c, 3, Liam's Map–Kittery Point, by Include) entered his Saturday unveiling with about as much buzz as a firster can garner, and while he had to work harder than his 3-5 off odds suggested he might, he got the job done while giving the impression of one who should improve with experience and maturity. Scrubbed along by Irad Ortiz, Jr. as he struggled some to find his stride early, the bay settled into a three-deep stalking spot down the backside behind a :22.30 opening quarter. He made a big move to challenge for the lead around the bend, and was in front by two or three lengths at the quarter pole, seemingly en route to a romp. He failed to really ever level off from there, however–perhaps due to a loose girth–and was moving more up and down and side to side than forward. Longshot second timer Mud Pie (Morning Line) cut it close late, but Liam's Point held him off by 3/4 of a length despite switching back over to his incorrect lead. The winner is half to Sam's Sister (Brother Derek), GISW, $472,710; Sensitive (Divine Park), SW, $245,936; a Candy Ride (Arg) colt who cost $360,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale; a yearling by Ghostzapper; and unraced 4-year-old son of Cairo Prince who was a $900,000 yearling. Sales history: $185,000 RNA Wlg '17 KEENOV; $185,000 RNA Ylg '18 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $25,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-St. Elias Stable & Brereton C. Jones; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
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