Smart Strike Colt Graduates at Belmont

7th-BEL, $75,000, Msw, 9-25, 2yo, 1mT, 1:35.55, fm.
STRIKE MIDNIGHT (c, 2, Smart Strike–Gwenjinsky, by Seattle Dancer) annexed his second career start with a powerful late kick Friday at Belmont. A rallying fifth on debut after a troubled trip going 5 1/2 panels over a good turf course at Saratoga Sept. 3, the dark bay was sent postward at odds of 7-2 for this try at an extended distance. The colt secured position tracking the pace as Its All Relevant (Hard Spun) showed the way through fractions of :24.27 and :48.93. Sent up to challenge for the lead turning for home, he kicked on to post a four-length victory, with Energy Policy (Arch) rallying behind him to complete the exacta. The final time for one mile was 1:35.54. The winner is a half to Lead Story (Editor’s Note), MGSW, $842,031, Capejinsky (Cape Town), SW, $188,411; and Prize Catch (A. P. Indy), SW, $138,810. His dam, Gwenjinsky, is a half to GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled’s Song) and GISW Glitter Woman (Glitterman). Strike Midnight sold for $55,000 as a KEESEP yearling and for $150,000 as an OBSMAR juvenile earlier this year. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $47,490. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Treadway Racing Stable; B-W. S. Farish & Lazy F Ranch (KY); T-Leah Gyarmati.

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