Blue Eyed George. (Keeneland Photo)
Gaffalione hits grand slam on Thursday
Keeneland Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.–BG Stables’ Blue Eyed George gained command in the closing yards and went on to a 1¼-length victory in today’s featured $89,183 Hermitage Farm Purse.
Ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Michael McCarthy, Blue Eyed George covered the 1 1/16 miles on a turf course labeled firm in 1:44.28.
Blue Eyed George, who was bred in Louisiana, is a 2-year-old colt by Flameaway out of the Offlee Wild mare Acting Naughty. He earned $41,866 for today’s victory to increase his bankroll to $72,786. The colt has won two races in three career starts.
The winner paid $14, $7.76 and $6.12. Runner-up Please Advise, ridden by Luis Saez, returned $7.08 and $4.94 with Fortune Seller and jockey Tyler Gaffalione running third and paying $6 to show.
Tyler Gaffalione rode four winners Thursday, taking Race 3 on Olga Isabel, Race 5 with Excellent Question, Race 6 with Mena and Race 8 aboard Rocketeer. Brad Cox trained three of Gaffalione’s winners: Olga Isabel, Mena and Rocketeer. Brendan Walsh trains Excellent Question.
Friday is the penultimate day of Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet. The 10-race card features the $300,000 Bank of America Valley View (G3) (Race 8 at 4:44 p.m.) and the $200,000 Myrtlewood (Race 9 at 5:16 p.m.).
