Lexington, KY — Division leader Greenshoe kept his crown intact as he patiently pushed for the front and faced little challenge when cruising to a 1:51.1 mile in the 127th Kentucky Futurity — going as a $450,000 single heat sponsored by Hunterton Farms, Stoner Manor Inc. and Menhammer Stuteri Ab — over a “good” track at The Red Mile on Sunday (Oct. 6).

Greenshoe patiently pushed for the front and faced little challenge when cruising to a 1:51.1 mile in the 127th Kentucky Futurity. USTA/Mark Hall photo.

Stablemate Green Manalishi S swept to the top from post eight while Gimpanzee raced first over to a :27.3 first quarter and supplied cover to fellow Marcus Melander trainee Greenshoe. Gimpanzee slid to the lead up the backstretch while Greenshoe, the 1-9 favorite, crept closer to the top through a :55.1 half with Pilot Discretion on cover second over.

Greenshoe hit his best strides heading to the final turn, rushing past Gimpanzee to lead the field past three-quarters in 1:24. Through the stretch the millionaire son of Father Patrick-Designed To Be veered wide but kept to task while pursued down the center of the course by Don’t Let’em, who took second. Gimpanzee held third from Soul Strong closing from the back of the pack for fourth.

“I was really happy with the way things were working out; I wasn’t getting any road trouble,” said winning driver Brian Sears. “I was able to be patient with him and ease him up to the front. Then when I thought it was time to use him up a little bit he was there for me and was pretty much in hand. I was really happy with the way he scored down so I was getting a good feeling going behind the gate. He’s got speed that really no other horse I can think of can go with.”

Greenshoe‘s connections celebrate his Kentucky Futurity victory. USTA/Mark Hall photo.

Earning $1,241,273 lifetime for owners Courant Inc., Hans Backe, Lars Granqvist and Morten Langli, Greenshoe — bred by Al Libfeld and Marvin Katz — won his 12th race from 16 starts.

“I was here for the first time in 2007,” said owner Anders Strom, who co-owns Greenshoe through Courant Inc. “I started my business as a horse owner for real in 2005 and set myself a target to have the world’s best horse in 15 years and we are up by a photo finish now. Not to say the least to do it with this team of trainer, groom, driver, my co-owners which also will include Hanover Shoe Farms where he will find his new home next season.”

Greenshoe paid $2.20 to win.

Click here to watch a replay of the 2019 Kentucky Futurity from The Red Mile.