Breaking from post 7 under Samy Camacho as the 2/1 bettors’ choice, Killybegs Captain was intent to fight for the early lead, dueling between Singanothersong to his inside and Mooji Moo Jr. opposite. Together, the trio posted opening 1/4-mile in :22.20, but the favorite’s two foes began dropping off at the top of the far turn.
Holding a growing advantage as he straightened for home, Killybegs Captain ran them off of their feet in the stretch before being geared down to a light jog in the shadow of the wire. Even though He Hate Me rallied strongly to take second, the winner was never in doubt.
The John Terranova II-trained Killybegs Captain crossed 2 3/4 lengths the best in a final time of 1:09.24 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.
“I had a lot of confidence in my horse and (Terranova),” Camacho said. “He’s a big horse with a big heart. I checked behind me at the 3/8 pole and thought, ‘I’ve got the race,’ because he got the bit very hard and very easy. He’s very easy to ride and a very nice horse.”
