Kentucky Cup Juvenile Goes to Greater Good

Lewis G. Lakin's homebred Greater Good, running last into the final turn, closed fast to win the $100,000 Kentucky Cup Juvenile (gr. III) in his stakes debut Saturday at Turfway Park.

Kept far off the pace by John McKee, the Robert Holthus-trained 2-year-old son of Intidab got into gear at the head of the stretch, blowing past his five rivals to defeat pacesetting Magna Graduate by 2 3/4 lengths. Norainonthisparty, 34-1, got the show by a neck over United. The final time was 1:44 4/5 for the 1 1/16-mile test on a fast track.

"I was expecting to be off the pace, but not that far," Holthus said. "The colt was pretty washed out in the paddock and we thought we had no chance. He came from out of the clouds."

Storied Cat, the 3-5 favorite ridden by Pat Day, finished fifth, tiring after prompting the pacesetter through fractions of :22 4/5, :46 and 1:10 4/5.

The fast improving Greater Good was coming off a closing maiden special weight victory at seven furlongs Aug. 7 at Ellis Park. He earned $60,000 for the triumph.

The third choice at odds of 6-1, he paid $14, $6.60 and $5.80. Magna Graduate, ridden by Willie Martinez, returned $9.80 and $5.80. Norainonthisparty's show was $7.

The Kentucky-bred Greater Good is out of the dam Gather The Clan, by General Assembly.

(Chart, Equibase)