ROUNDUP : Polar Expedition Wins at Turfway

Polar Expedition held off a fast-closing Powis Castle by a neck to win the $600,000 Jim Beam Stakes at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., on Saturday.

Polar Expedition, starting from the No. 1 post position, stayed next to the rail and led the entire way in covering the 1 1/8 miles in a moderate 1:49.

Trainer Hugh Robertson said either the Illinois Derby on April 30 or the Kentucky Derby on May 7 will be the next race for the the gelded son of Kodiack.

“Probably for the next two weeks we won’t make any decision one way or another,” Robertson said. “And we’ll have to see how the horse comes out of the race, too.

“This was a hard race, and he’s a small horse and puts a lot into his races. You can’t take them to the well too many times.”

Owner James Cody of Omaha might keep the horse in Kentucky because he won the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland last fall.

“He likes Kentucky,” Cody said. “He’s two for two in Kentucky.”

Polar Expedition, ridden by Curt Bourque, held a 1 1/2-length lead over Chimes Band through the first half mile, with Powis Castle and Shepherd’s Field next in the 11-horse field. The lead increased to 2 1/2 lengths as the horses headed around the turn for home. Powis Castle, under Chris Antley, made a challenge in the final strides, while Chimes Band was seven lengths back in third and the favored Southern Rhythm was fourth.

“You know he tried hard, but I just couldn’t get him down the lane,” Antley said.

Polar Expedition paid $10, $5.60 and $4.20. Powis Castle returned $5.40 and $4.20 and Chimes Band paid $4.60. All of the entries carried 121 pounds.

The victory was worth $360,000 to Polar Expedition, increasing his earnings to $699,025. He has won seven of nine starts, including two of three this year.

Polar Expedition had won five consecutive races before losing by 2 1/2 lengths to Southern Rhythm in Oaklawn Park’s Southwest Stakes on March 12.

Southern Rhythm, the 2-1 favorite ridden by Chris McCarron, ran in the middle of the pack and never threatened the leaders.

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Judge T C took the lead in late stretch and scored a one-length victory in the $125,000 Rebel Stakes, Oaklawn Park’s last major prep for the $500,000 Arkansas Derby.

Judge T C, with Joe Johnson aboard, ran 1 1/16 miles in a slow 1:44 and returned $7.60, $12.40 and $11.

Concern was second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Milt’s Overture, who set the early pace. Concern paid $7.60 and $6. Milt’s Overture returned $14.