Coalport Gets Up Again in FS Mile

For the second time in as many races, Illinois-bred Coalport saved his best running for late, and the result was the narrowest of victories over a familiar rival. A month ago on Arlington Million Day, in an $80,000 allowance optional claiming race at 1 1/16 miles, Coalport came from fifth after three-quarters to hook up with Trend in mid-stretch. The two battled to the wire, with Coalport getting the head victory.  Today they met again in the Franklin Simpson Mile Stakes at Kentucky Downs, and with less track, the result was even closer.

Favorite almost leaves it too late

Settling near the back of the eight horse field, Coalport ran just off the pace, in sixth at the midway point, but just a length of the pace being set by Mellow Fellow. Trend, meanwhile, was even closer, sitting fourth by only head while being fanned four wide. As the field turned for home, Trend kicked into gear, gaining the lead at the top of the stretch and starting to drive for the wire. Biding his time, Coalport finally managed to split rivals with a furlong to go, took dead aim, and this time got to the front by a nose.

Steady contender at lower stakes level

The win was the fourth in seven starts for Coalport this year, a run that includes a going-away win in the $100,000 Black Tie Affair Handicap at Arlington back in June. In the spring he managed a determined place after going four wide in the $100,000 Milwuakee Avenue Handicap at Hawthorne. Following the Black Tie, he made a step up to graded stakes company, but could only manage a sixth in the Grade III Arlington Handicap. For his career, Coalport now has six first and two seconds in 15 lifetime starts, for earnings of just under $300,000.