Home of the Arlington Million
Sassafras Racing & Gulf Coast Farm’s Meal Penalty skimmed the rail, took the lead on the turn and drew off to win the $53,700 Shecky Greene Stakes by two lengths on Saturday at Arlington Park, getting the six furlongs in 1:10.16. Rene Douglas rode the son of Tale of the Cat for trainer Todd Pletcher.
“It’s never easy, even if you are on the 1-2 favorite in a four-horse field,’ Douglas said. “I knew it was pretty much a two-horse race and I was watching exactly what the other horse (Young Joe) was doing. I didn’t give him any chance to get the advantage on me, and at the quarter pole I just let my horse run.”
The victory was the second straight for Meal Penalty and his fourth in eight starts overall. He picked up $32,622 to push his bankroll to $139,395.
Young Joe made a run at the winner on the turn but was unable to get by and had to settle for second, five lengths clear of Denos Keys. Golden Citizen E K, who led for a quarter mile, faded to last in the field at the finish.
Sent off at odds of 50-cents on the dollar, Meal Penalty paid $3 and $2.10. Young Joe paid $2.40. There was no show wagering on the race.
