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By Sarah Mace
Francis Paolangeli’s homebred Gold for the King (Posse) took home the top prize in Finger Lakes’ richest race of the year Saturday, the 54th Running of the $219,613 New York Breeders’ Futurity.
The gelding’s Futurity win kicked off a landmark afternoon for his trainer Charlie Baker whose own Joking, a former $20,000 claim, won the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes from off the bench later in the day at Belmont Park and punched his ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Joking was the conditioner’s first Grade 1 stakes winner.
Odds-on favorite to win the six-furlong Futurity, Gold for the King come into the race with a pair of strong starts on his resume. In his Saratoga debut on August 8, he bested a good field by 3 1/4 lengths. On Saratoga Showcase Day, August 26, he ran third to two New York-bred TDN “Rising Stars”: Syndergaard, who is currently prepping for the Champagne Stakes, and Bobby On Fleek.
At the bell, Freud’s Friend, uncoupled stablemate of Gold for the King, got a jump on the seven-horse field from the rail and carved out an opening quarter-mile in :22 seconds flat while Gold for the King, who broke from the outside post, raced in sixth, nearly four lengths off the lead in the four path.
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Gold for the King gained ground in company with Macho Miah while rounding the far turn as the half went in 45.45, then fanned out six wide at the top of the lane.
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Taking control in upper stretch, Gold for the King extended his lead on his way to the wire while ridden out by Eric Cancel, aboard the mount for the first time.
He ran six furlongs in 1:10.95 over the “good” going. Macho Miah, who was second choice in the betting at 2-1, got the place. Eddie’s Gift finished third at 7-1, while 75-1 maiden Dublin Time completed the superfecta. [VIDEO]
Foaled at Keane Stud in Amenia, Gold for the King is the second foal and first winner for his dam Gold for the Queen, a New York-bred multiple stakes winner bred by Pegasus Farms Inc., who was also campaigned by Paolangeli and trained by Baker. Gold for the Queen currently has a weanling colt by Frost Giant.
Gold for the King has earned $195,568 from his two wins and a third-place finish
