Stayers' Watch: Sword Dancer Invitational · 17.08.09

Telling, a 33-1 longshot, rallied from off the pace to win Saratoga’s Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (G1, turf) by two lengths over Better Talk Now. Brass Hat got up for third. Pre-race favourite Grand Couturier, winner of the previous two editions of the race, finished fifth.

The first six furlongs featured a fast pace as Lauro and Musketier got caught up in a speed duel (the 1/4-mile in 23.46s, 1/2-mile in 46.80s, and 6f in 1:11.18) — those two pacesetters would eventually finish last and second-to-last, respectively. Telling, meanwhile, lay fifth for most of the race, then made his move around the final turn and closed strongly down the stretch to earn the win. Final time for 1 1/2 miles on the firm turf course: 2:25.43.

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What do you think?

  1. Loved it when the TEN year old Better Talk Now, go up for 2nd. Great old guy.

    — Dr. TImothy Yatcak · Aug 18, 09:14 AM · #

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