A clear early lead and a liking for a turf course softened by an afternoon thunderstorm Aug. 29 was a recipe for success for Channel Maker in the $500,000 Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course.
The 6-year-old English Channel gelding went to the lead under Manny Franco and was never challenged en route to an emphatic 5 3/4-length victory. Cross Border ran second, followed by stablemate and third-place finisher Aquaphobia. Sadler's Joy was fourth, while Corelli, Pedro Cara, and Marzo completed the order of finish.
The Bill Mott-trained winner, owned by Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable, and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, raced 1 1/2 miles on a soft turf course in 2:34.86. He paid $18.
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