Frac Daddy continued his unbeaten run on synthetic surfaces with a sparkling first try over the Woodbine ‘Poly’ to capture Sunday’s $202,400 Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Ken McPeek for owners Magic City Thoroughbred Partners LLC, Frac Daddy arrived at the 1 1/16-mile main track event off a determined fourth-place run in the grassy 1 3/8-mile Grade 1 Man O’War Stakes, at Belmont Park.
However, it was Frac Daddy’s Keeneland main track form that prompted bettors to make Frac Daddy the 4/5 choice in the wagering on this day. In addition to a 3 ½-length win in an off-the-turf allowance last fall, the grey son of Scat Daddy-Skipper’s Mate also notched a 4 3/4-length score over Eclipse rival Stealcase in the Grade 3 Ben Ali on April 19.
Frac Daddy, with Luis Contreras up for the first time, battled with Really Sharp from the break through splits of :24.29, :48.82 and 1:12.41 as Alpha Bettor, the defending Eclipse champ, stalked patiently from fourth position.
Contreras urged Frac Daddy into the lead through the turn and when he asked his charge for more run at the top of the lane, the four-year-old colt responded with an impressive turn of foot to separate from the field and notch a five-length win. Really Sharp stayed on gamely to win a place photo over a rail-skimming Alpha Bettor.
Frac Daddy stopped the clock in 1:42.74, just two ticks shy of True Metropolitan’s mark of 1:42.22.
“He’s got a nice kick from the quarter pole. I was nice and comfortable all the way,” said Contreras.
The sharp score confirmed Frac Daddy’s dominance on synthetic surfaces.
“We’ve definitely found his niche,” said assistant trainer Matt Shirer. “He obviously loved this track and he’s won at Keeneland. We’ll see what else is available for us.”
Frac Daddy rose to prominence as a sophomore with a second-place run in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby before tries in the Kentucky Derby (16th) and Belmont Stakes (14th.)
“He’s grown a lot since his three year old year,” said Shirer. “He’s a whole other horse now and we’re happy with him.”
Frac Daddy banked $120,000 in victory while improving his career record to 5-5-0 from 16 starts.
He returned $3.70, $2.60 and $2.20, pairing with Really Sharp ($10, $6.50) for a $35.50 (5-6) exactor. A 5-6-1 (Alpha Bettor, $3.20 to show) triactor was worth $174.10. Are You Kidding Me completed a $1 Superfecta (5-6-1-3) worth $532.40.
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