Blatantly Good upsets Auckland Reactor in Chester Open
from Harrah's Chester publicity department
Going the tough first-over route, Jeffrey Bamond's Blatantly Good ($14.60) scored the minor upset over Auckland Reactor in Sunday (May 30) afternoon's $32,000 Open Pace at Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack.
The six-year-old son of Albert Albert sat third off Auckland Reactor (Yannick Gingras), who was sent to the front to post early fractions of :26.3 and :54.1, with Mystery Chase (George Napolitano) drafting in the pocket after pressing the pace on the first turn. Moving up the backstretch, Richie Silverman angled Blatantly Good to the outside, moving to within a neck of Auckland Reactor upon reaching three-quarters in 1:21.3, but the New Zealand champion dug in on the far turn, extending his lead back to a length. However, a persistent Blatantly Good would have the upper hand in the end, re-claiming command from an all-out Auckland Reactor in the last 150 yards, drawing clear for a two-length victory in 1:49.4. Western Shore followed the winner's cover to just take second, with the ground-saving Atochia and the tiring Auckland Reactor both narrowly beaten in the place photo.
Blatantly Good gave trainer Mark Kesmodel a double on the day, also winning the second race with Sparky.
Blatantly Good's 1:49.4 mile was not the fastest of the day, however, as both Jim's Guy (George Napolitano) and Trueys Legacy (Daniel Dube) turned in front-running 1:49.3 efforts.
Live racing resumes at Harrah's Chester on Monday afternoon, with a special Memorial Day card set to commence at 12:45 p.m. eastern time.
(photo credit World Wide Racing Photos. Winner - Blatantly Good, Auckland Reactor in dark green with white chevrons)
