5th-Parx Racing, $50,400, Msw, 12-3, 2yo, 1m 70y, 1:47.82, ft, 1 1/2 lengths.
NATIONAL LAW (c, 2, Constitution–Susie's Baby, by Giant's Causeway) provided some very anxious moments for his backers as the even-money favorite at third asking here. He stalked the early leaders from an outside third and took over midway on the far turn. He kicked for home as the one to catch, and, after opening a seven-length lead at the stretch call, things began to get quite interesting. National Law drifted out badly to the outer rail down the lane, but maintained a clear enough advantage beneath Paco Lopez to graduate in dramatic fashion by 1 1/2 lengths.
After a video surfaced on X of Lopez striking National Law in the face with the crop on the gallop out, trainer Jorge Duarte, Jr., said on the platform, “Jockeys are the toughest athletes. We have mental health involved already anyone who saw the whole stretch run would say Paco was outstanding keeping the horse safe.”
A rallying fourth on debut sprinting at Monmouth Park July 28, he switched to grass with a well-beaten fifth going 1 1/16 miles at Colonial last time Sept. 7. Susie's Baby, also responsible for an Uncle Mo filly of 2023, was bred to Gun Runner for 2025. The winner is a half to Family Way (Uncle Mo), GSW & MGISP, $1,002,860. Sales history: $250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-1-0-0, $33,625. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Colts Neck Stables LLC; B-Diamond Creek Farm (KY); T-Jorge Duarte, Jr.
You have to see this! #8 NATIONAL LAW (4.20) had a huge lead in the stretch before drifting all the way out to the outer rail, just holding on to win race 5 at Parx. The 2yo son of Constitution was ridden by Paco Lopez and is trained by Jorge Duarte, Jr. pic.twitter.com/MR6CSv8VtZ
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 3, 2024
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