A 2,300-mile ship from Louisville, Ky., to Auburn, Wash., proved the hardest part of Five Star General ‘s journey to overdue Longacres Mile glory, as the 7-year-old son of Distorted Humor was never threatened en route to a 1 1/2-length triumph Aug. 13 at Emerald Downs. The win in what has historically been regarded as the Pacific Northwest’s signature race meant so much more than the winner’s share of a $150,000 purse, as the family of owner Ken Alhadeff of Elttaes Stable (named for Seattle spelled backward) once owned the defunct Longacres racetrack and Kentucky-based trainer Grant Forster grew up on the backsides of Washington and British Columbia ovals.
A Man’s Man bounded out to an early lead from the rail to set fractions of :22.79 and :45.71, as Joe Bravo rode Five Star General like the best horse, keeping him a few lengths off the fast pace in a joint second and well in the clear. Into the far turn, when it was time to go, Five Star General easily took command while no other challengers were able to keep up. The result was apparent at the top of the stretch, as Five Star General came home completely in command, winning in 1:34.73.
Il Bellator was second, 3 3/4 lengths ahead of last year’s winner Slew’s Tiz Whiz in third in a field of 10.
Five Star General was making his fourth Longacres Mile appearance, having finished second in 2020 and third in the last two renewals, prior to be being acquired by his current connections last fall.
Five Star General improved his record to 10-5-6 from 30 starts while the $82,500 winner’s share increased his earnings to $602,769.
Leave feedback about this