(Chart, Equibase)
Racing in River Downs' feature on the Labor Day card, the aptly named Harlan's Holiday held off Request for Parole to post a neck victory in the Miller Genuine Draft Cradle Stakes. Ridden by Tony D'Amico, the 2-year-old Ohio-bred son of Harlan stalked the early pace set by Day Trader, who zipped to the early lead after delaying the start by not wanting to go into the gate. Harlan's Holiday took the lead rounding the second turn and then held off the game challenge from Request for Parole through the stretch. The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:46.4 as Harlan's Holiday paid $14.40, $7.60, and $5.40. Request for Parole, the tepid 5-2 favorite, paid $4.40 and $3.80, while Arctic Sand finished 10 lengths behind the runner-up and returned $7.20.The victory was the third in a row for Harlan's Holiday, who was treated with bleeder medication for the first time in the Cradle. Trained by Ken McPeek for Starlight Stable, Harlan's Holiday previously won and finished second in restricted stakes at Thistledown and River Downs. He has three wins and one second in four career starts.
