Bank Guard gets the money in the Open Trot

December 9, 2021

Bank Guards persistence finally paid off in the Open trot ranks, after 5 unsuccessful starts in Open company, last week trainer Murray Bassen opted to race his 6-year-old Break the Bank gelding in a conditioned race where he won by 2 ½ lengths, the boost in confidence paid off.

Judge Ken made a break before the start, as the gate left Bank Guard was first away to get the lead only briefly as ER Sophia (Jim Taggart Jr) popped out of the 2 hole before the ¼ mile stanza to take the lead in  a soft 29.4 opening panel. Approaching the half It Aint The Whiskey (Renaldo Morales III) was the first to pull to the outside down as ER Sophia tripped the timer in 1:00.1. Down the back side It Aint The Whiskey advance stalled and he was forced to tuck in the 3 hole.  ER Sophia was still on top in 1:29, in the paddock turn Bank Guard popped out of the garden spot to take aim on ER Sophia, the 2 trotted in tandem down the stretch but in the end it was Bank Guard by a head in 1:58.4 – $12.20 and was driven by James Devaux.

Murray Bassen trains Bank Guard who earned his 7^th win of the year for owner Gray Thunder Stable and Platinum Gold Stables.

Also on the card Mike Merton drove for the triple and the hot Brandon Parker had a pair of winning drives, trainer Rob Harmon had 2 winners hail from his barn.