Horse Betting World

Al Khali Overcomes Trouble to Take Bowling Green

By Michael Dempsey

When they turned for home in Saturday’s $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park, it appeared as if pacesetter Strike a Deal had enough left in the tank to hold off the late runners.

Jockey Alan Garcia had other ideas.

Picking up the mount from Julien Leparoux, who left Belmont Park early for a trip to ride Informed Decision at Presque Isle in the $400,000 Presque Isle Masters, Garcia made the most out of his pick up mount.

Al Khali lacked room around the far turn and Garcia had to apply the breaks turning for home as he found himself behind runners without any running room.

Nearing the eighth pole Followmyfootsteps started to weaken, giving Garcia enough room toward the outside and the four-year-old charged home to get up by a neck in a three way photo with favorite Winchester and longshot Simmard.

The pacesetter Strike a Deal weakened late to finish fourth.

Conditioned by hall of fame trainer Bill Mott, the son of Medaglia d’Oro paid $7.30 to win, stopping the timer for the 1 3/8 miles in 2:15.23.

“It was a big effort,” said Leana Williford, assistant to trainer Bill Mott. “He was bottled up the whole way, so for him to get out like that was impressive.”

No decision has been made on his next start. The ridgling has a career record of 17-6-2-2 with career earnings of $368,955.

Winchester completed a $13.40 exacta, with the trifecta with Simmard third returning $59.00.

Saturday was the opening day of the 37-day Fall Championship meeting at Belmont Park. There are 19 graded stakes on the schedule including nine Grade 1 races.

The first of the Grade 1 races is Saturday Sept. 18 when three-year-old fillies line up in the $100,000 Garden City at nine furlongs on turf.

New York breds took center stage on Sunday at Belmont Park in the $100,000 Ashley T. Cole.

Uncle T Seven came from off the pace under a patient ride form jockey Julien Leparoux to win the Cole by 1 ½ lengths over Pocket Cowboys.

The four-year-old colt is trained by John Kimmel and returned $7.10 as the second choice in the field of seven.

Pocket Cowboys completed a $2 exacta that returned $28.00, with the favorite Gimme Credit completing a $57.50 trifecta.

Trainer John Kimmel will point Uncle T Seven to New York Showcase Day on Oct. 23, starting the colt in either the $100,000 Mohawk at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, or the $200,000 Empire Classic on the main track at 1 1/8 miles.