Ben’s Cat, here winning the 2014 Parx Dash, did not fire in yesterday’s renewal of the Grade 3 event. Photo By Barbara Weidl / EQUI-PHOTO
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Local legend Ben’s Cat, the popular 9-year-old gelding who has earned nearly $2.5 million, returned to Laurel Park after finishing a non-threatening sixth in Saturday’s $200,000 Parx Dash Handicap (G3) at Parx Racing.
Seeking his 25th career stakes win and his fourth consecutive Parx Dash, Ben’s Cat broke ninth before launching a mild rally and finishing sixth. He was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by winner Tightend Touchdown.
“It was very disappointing,” said Leatherbury Sunday morning. “He was sluggish early and didn’t have his usual big kick at the end. He ran a bad race, and we’re not used to that. If it was a normal horse, you’d just say he ran a bad race. But he’s not the kind that does that. But he’s fine this morning and maybe it was just a bad race.”
Leatherbury, who will be inducted into the National Museum of Racing And Hall Of Fame Friday, Aug. 7, said he was considering the $300,000 Turf Monster (G3) at Parx, “but that’s seven weeks away and I don’t know if I want to wait that long.”
“We’ll just think about things the next couple days,” he added.
Everyone has a bad day now and then.
he had to check twice , thats hard to overcome in a sprint
It was humid, it was “heavy” Like humans that humidity is a killer! Off days come now and then……and in a Sprint there is no way to come back from a check let alone two.