Cordmaker surges to Harrison Johnson victory

by | Mar 16, 2019 | Breaking, Maryland, MD Racing, Racing

Cordmaker

Cordmaker proved best in the Harrison Johnson Memorial Stakes. Photo by Dottie Miller.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Cordmaker, a four-year-old son of Curlin, made his first try around two turns a winning one, surging to a 1 1/2-length win in the $100,000 Harrison Johnson Memorial Stakes at Laurel Park.

Under jockey Victory Carrasco, Cordmaker dawdled towards the rear of a complact field in the nine-furlong fixture for much of the early running. Wide on both turns, Cordmaker gained the lead between horses in upper stretch and drove clear to win in 1:50.29 for the distance over a fast main track.

Favored Unbridled Juan challenged in upper stretch and held second, while Laurel-loving Bonus Points was along for third.

Cordmaker paid $10.80 to win and topped a one-dollar exacta worth $20.90.

THE HORSE

Cordmaker is by Curlin out of the Polish Numbers mare Tanca. He was a $150,000 auction purchase. He now has a record of 11-4-2-1, with earnings of $200,463.

THE HUMANS

Cordmaker is owned by Ellen Charles’ Hillwood Stable, LLC and is trained by Rodney Jenkins. He was bred in Maryland by Bob Manfuso and Katy Voss and was ridden to victory by Victor Carrasco.

THEY SAID IT

“It hasn’t been an easy road with this horse,” said trainer Rodney Jenkins, adding, “You have to keep him happy. I think he’s happy now. He’s going to get better. You haven’t seen the best of him.”