October 1, 2007

Hard Spun defeats Street Sense in Kentucky Cup Classic

Hard Spun, second in the Kentucky Derby, turned the tables on Derby winner Street Sense in winning Saturday's $350,000 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park. It was the first time Hard Spun finished in front of his rival in three races.

Hard Spun and Street Sense were sent off as 4-5 co-favorites in the four horse field. Breaking from the inside post Hard Spun immediately took the lead at the start and never looked back.

With Mario Pino in the saddle, Hard Spun repulsed the challenge of Street Sense down the stretch and went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Finishing third was Stream Cat with Cat Shaker fourth. The field was reduced to four when Muqbil was scratched by trainer Duane Knipe.

The time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:48.48 on the all-weather surface.

Hard Spun returned $3.80 and $2.10, and Street Sense paid $2.10. There was no show wagering due to the short field.

Hard Spun and Street Sense are both expected to run in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on Saturday, October 27.

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