Flanagan Racing’s Kentucky-bred Chancer McPatrick made it back-to-back Grade 1 victories with an impressive in in the $500,000 Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont at the Big A on Saturday, Oct. 5. In his previous start, Chancer McPatrick notched his first Grade 1 in the Hopeful S. (G1) at Saratoga.
Ridden by Flavien Prat, Chancer McPatrick settled in last place in the field of nine down the backstretch. He commenced a five-wide advance around the far turn, circling rivals. When set down for the drive, Chancer McPatrick challenged for the lead nearing the eighth pole. He collared Tip Top Thomas and powered home late to win by 2 ¾ lengths. He covered one mile on the main track in 1:36.51.
Breeders’ Cup Bound
The win improved Chancer McPatrick’s record to 3-for-3 and boosted his bankroll to $495,000. With the Champagne being a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, the bay colt by McKinzie has secured his berth in the $2 million race for trainer Chad Brown.
“He runs his races like he’s a year older than he is,” Brown said. “He runs like an experienced, fit 3-year-old. He’s got a long, strong run. He showed it in all three of his starts. The way he finished up and the way he relaxes, I don’t see going two turns as a problem.”
Prat said of the winning ride, “He jumped running and it felt like they just ran away from me, but I was outside, and it was nice, so I could take my time. He was traveling well without doing too much, and when I called on him turning for home, he responded positively.”
Bred in Kentucky by Rigney Racing, was a $725,000 graduate of this year’s OBS Spring Sale where he was consigned by Caliente Thoroughbreds. Chancer McPatrick is produced from the Bernardini mare Bernadreamy.