New lifetime marks were earned on Sunday evening at Mohawk Racetrack by Keep It Real and
Ideal Race, who are among the 72 sophomores still eligible to this year’s Pepsi North America Cup.
Now undefeated in five lifetime starts, Keep It Real drew off to win by more than three lengths in a career-best clocking of 1:51.4 for driver Steve Condren.
The colt slid into the five hole when the gate sped away before tipping first over as the field marched towards the mid-way point of the mile. He flanked the leader at the three-quarter pole before turning on the after burners in the lane. His :26.2 final frame was more than enough to seal the deal over Foolish Justice and fellow Pepsi North America Cup eligible, Blended Whiskey.
“So far he’s doing everything really good,” added driver Steve Condren. “He was really impressive down the lane. He’s been at his best in the lane, and he acts pretty versatile so far. He’s a little bit rambunctious at times, but so far he’s headed in the right direction.”
Joey Shea conditions the son of Real Artist-Magical Leah for owner Wayne Whebby of Dartmouth, NS. Purchased for $45,000 as a yearling at the 2007 Harrisburg Sale, Keep It Real has banked $29,400 to date.
“He was a little more aggressive tonight,” commented Shea, as Keep It Real attempted to drag him back to the paddock. “He looks like the real deal so far. We’ll head to the Burlington and see from there.”
Two races later Mark MacDonald put a new speed badge of 1:53 on Ideal Race, who did most of the road work en route to his second wins of the season in just three trips postward. The Tracy Brainard-trained son of Western Terror-Eidette Hanover finished off his foes with a :27.4 final quarter.
Owned by Bulletproof Enterprises of Boca Raton, FL, Ideal Race has banked in excess of $24,000 in his first five lifetime starts.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.