Jockey Umberto Rispoli rode Balnikhov three times before April 29 worth $250,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T) at Golden Gate Fields. So he, like anyone, knows that his ride on Saturday night likes to settle in from the bottom of the field before moving on.
Like Hollywood’s most predictable scenario, Balnikhov sat at or near the bottom of the nine-horse field for the first three-quarters of a mile and then dug down for that extra gear to keep the shot from 50-1. King Rio in a final photo.
“I know he likes to be ridden from afar. If you put him in the race, he will be more aggressive,” said Rispoli, who won the card four times including three stakes.
Light Jack And Flavius , who hasn’t run since Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1T) in 2022, are the leaders entering the final quarter of a mile. Jack the lamplighter posted the fractions of :24,26, :48,21, and 1:11,33.
All the while, Rispoli left Balnikhov comfortably in the back, waiting for their chance. Rispoli expressed confidence he could take his action at any time but did not see the need to force the matter.
Instead, as the pitch crowded into the final inning and into the final round, Rispoli saw the opening he wanted.
Walking four laps wide, Balnikhov found his stride as well as space to move.
Rio King, who has won the last three races and is making his bets debut, is in seventh place in the extended race. Determined to push the others behind, Balnikhov and Rio King recklessly push the strings, the two musicians competing against each other for note-by-note. The difference is proven to be a bit more lung support, or in this case, the bouncy top from the Irish imports.
“He actually put the brakes on the last 16 miles waiting for the other horse,” said Rispoli.
Balnikhov paid $4.8 for the first pick 7/5. Il Bellator another 50-1 worse team, finished third.
Against Adaay (IRE) and beyond First Defense mare Leeward, Balnikhov improves to 6-4-2 in 17 career starts. Balnikhov was the starter and only winner of Leeward’s four ponies.
Coached by Phil D’Amato, Balnikhov is owned by Little Red Feather Racing, Madakat Stables and Old Bones Racing Stable. He was purchased by Oceanic Bloodstock for $31,899 from Ellon shipment at Arqana Deauville’s September 2020 Annual Sale.
Videotapes: San Francisco Mile S. (G3T)
