Always First rallies late to nab Sycamore

Always First was first on the line of the Sycamore (Pat Lang Photo/Keeneland Association)

Merriefield Farm’s ALWAYS FIRST (GB) (Barathea [Ire]) put in a strong run
along the rail to collar Transduction Gold (Formal Gold) and win the $150,000
Sycamore S. (G3) at Keeneland on Saturday. Trained by Tom Voss, the gelding had
no speed early and sat last after the opening mile, which was reached by
pacesetter Rumor Has It (Awesome Again) after splits of :24 4/5, :48 4/5, 1:13
2/5 and 1:39 2/5. As the field approached the final turn,
Always First began to make up ground under Rene Douglas and he was deftly
guided to the rail in the late stages, getting up by three-quarters of a length
under the line. The 6-1 fourth choice finished off 1 1/2 miles over the firm
turf in 2:30 4/5 and paid $14.60, $6.40 and $4.60.

Transduction Gold took command of the race nearing the final turn and looked
home free in early stretch, but had to dig deep to retain the place spot as the
2-1 favorite. The runner-up was worth $3.80 and $3 and completed the $49.20
exacta. Telling (A.P. Indy) was in prime striking position in the lane but hung
late at nearly 9-1, missing second by a neck. Show returned $6 and the trifecta
was good for $347.40. Good Request (Dynaformer) loomed in late stretch but had
to settle for fourth as the 9-2 third choice, capping the $1,571.80 superfecta
(10-4-2-5). Silverfoot (With Approval) was 4 3/4 lengths back in fifth and was followed by My
Happiness (Arg) (Festin [Arg]), Hapaheart (Hap), Guadalcanal (Graeme Hall), Phil
the Power (Red Bullet) and Rumor Has It. Elusive Fort (SAf) (Fort Wood) was
withdrawn.