Woodbine-based Stormy Lord ventured to Philadelphia for the $250,000 PTHA President's Cup and produced a 9-1 upset for trainer Ian Black Sept. 17 on a yielding turf course at Parx Racing (VIDEO).
Ridden confidently by Justin Stein, the Kinghaven Farms' homebred collared 54-1 pacesetter Lubash and Citrus Kid approaching mid-stretch and inched away under steady handling for a 1 1/4-length victory. Stormy Lord completed the 1 1/8-mile event in 1:54.24.
Even-money choice Smart Bid, the 122-pound high weight, finished eighth in the field of 10 grass runners after tiring early.
Stormy Lord, a 4-year-old gelded son of Stormy Atlantic , faltered in his last start, Woodbine's Play the King, and finished 11th after pressuring the pace.
In the President's Cup, Stormy Lord broke best before rating in third on the outside of Lubash and Citrus Kid. Lubash, ridden by Angel Arroyo, carved out fractions of :26.17, :52.62, and 1:17.34 while maintaining his advantage over Citrus Kid and Jose Espinoza.
Stein asked Stormy Lord for more in the stretch and he proved best in a strong effort. Citrus Kid edged Lubash by a neck for second, with Bim Bam a half-length farther back in fourth.
Stormy Lord, winner of the Connaught Cup (Can-IIT) at Woodbine May 29, earned $150,000 for his seventh lifetime win in 19 starts. Out of the Meadowlake mare Lady Auchamore, the chestnut has now banked $849,770.
Sent off as the fifth choice, Stormy Lord carried 117 pounds and paid $21.40, $12.20, and $8.60. Citrus Kid, in his first start since taking an allowance heat on the Keeneland lawn April 9, returned $7.40 and $5. The exacta was worth $163.40. New York-bred Lubash was $25 to show and rounded out a $2 trifecta of $1,973.40.
Bim Bam was followed by Irish-bred Feels All Right, Afleet Again, Cat Park, Smart Bid, second choice Violon Sacre, and The Cognac Kid.
Stormy Lord and Justin Stein take the PTHA President's Cup.
