by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Lexington, KY — Bulletproof Enterprises’ Vertical Horizon shot between pacers in the stretch to win the $125,500 first division of the Bluegrass Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts on Saturday (Oct. 3) at The Red Mile.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Vertical Horizon won the $125,500 first division of the Bluegrass Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts.

Tim Tetrick piloted the Western Ideal-Summer Mystery colt to a lifetime best 1:51.1 score, his fourth win in 18 trips to the post this year. The Tracy Brainard pupil has now banked $299,014 in his sophomore campaign.

Lightning Elvis (Andy Miller) was the early leader in this race, tripping the opening quarter in :27.4, before yielding to Straight Shooting (Dave Palone) at the :55.1 half-mile marker. Lightning Elvis came back at the 1:24 three-quarter pole to challenge the leader while Vertical Horizon began to get in position for a late charge.

In the stretch Vertical Horizon found room in the middle of the racetrack and tripped the timer first in 1:51.1. Annieswesterncard (Daniel Dube) also rallied late to finish second, while Straight Shooting held on for third.

“It was not exactly how I planned it,” said driver Tim Tetrick, “but thankfully it worked out. He does everything right and has some go.”

The $125,500 second division went to Brittany Farms and Brian Monieson Trust’s Vintage Master with an impressive front end score in 1:49.4.

Daniel Dube was in the bike for the 3-year-old Western Ideal-Art’s Vintage colt who posted his fourth win in 18 sophomore starts. He has now banked $1,140,561 this year. Jimmy Takter is the trainer.

Carnivore (Ron Pierce) charged out of the gate from post position seven to take the early lead before yielding at the :26.4 opening quarter to Vintage Master. Dube kept his charge on the front end and he took the field to the half in :54.4 and the three-quarters in 1:22.3.

Hypnotic Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick) made a first over move to no avail as Vintage Master remained in total command and crossed the wire on top in 1:49.4, with a final quarter in :27.1. Carnivore finished second, while Hypnotic Blue Chip was third.