The Palacios Memorial Handicap was the final stakes and race of what has been an exciting and successful Beulah Meet. It was run at six furlongs on the main track and featured a great group of older males. In my preview I stated that it was a two horse race between the one horse and the two horse. Was I right? Let’s find out.

Track: Fast
Scratched: None

Pacific Council was far and away the classiest and best horse in the field and he showed that today. He broke best of all and quickly went after the lead. Dueled with Mystic Dream along the backstretch while going the first quarter in :22.34. Given a little nudge entering the backstretch and opened up a length lead. Accelerated off the turn, to set a half in :45.33. Extended the lead to two lengths in deep stretch to win driving away. Mystic Dream was my second choice in this field. Battled gamely with the leader along the backstretch. Looked to be finished around the turn but battled on gamely. Tried to get by but could not and had to settle for second. Angel Beach was the third best horse,racing in that position throughout the race. Mapquest should have never been in the race, and he showed why losing by 20 lengths.

Congratulations to Pacific Council and Danang Ents. Breeders Cup if he keeps improving? We will see.

Meat