Ben's Cat gets up late to win the Parx Dash.  Photo By Barbara Weidl / EQUI-PHOTO
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.

3 Comments

  1. Linda Fazzi Walker
    12th Jul 2015

    Everyone has a bad day now and then.

  2. Jimmy Pam Walker
    12th Jul 2015

    he had to check twice , thats hard to overcome in a sprint

  3. Terry Sheerin
    12th Jul 2015

    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.

Comments are closed.

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