Thunder Moccasin strikes in Hutcheson Stakes

Horseracing Betting Lines

02/11/2012 - Hallandale Beach, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Odds-on favorite Thunder Moccasin had a successful three-year-old debut Saturday in the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The colt covered the seven-furlongs in 1:24.16 on a track listed as good.

Sent off as the 1-5 favorite in the five-horse field, Thunder Moccasin stalked pacesetter Il Villano until the final turn. Ridden by John Velazquez, Thunder Moccasin took control entering the stretch and went on to post a 6 3/4-length victory over Il Villano.

Finishing third was Quick Wit followed by Wildcat Creek and Tarpy's Goal. Ever So Lucky was scratched prior to the race by trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

Owned by Starlight Racing, Thunder Moccasin is now perfect in two career starts. He made is first start on Christmas Eve at Gulfstream in a maiden claiming race.

"It seemed to be a key race," Pletcher noted, "both the second and third-place finishers came back to win,"

While Thunder Moccasin was able to stay just off the pace in the Hutcheson, his trainer is unsure if the colt is capable of going longer than a mile.

"I think he gets seven-eighths to a mile; after that I'd be a little bit surprised (if he was as effective going longer)," Pletcher said. "He's pretty forward and ambitious early, so I think he's a sprinter. That's the feeling that he gives us at the barn. This is kind of an ambitious move, making a graded-stakes start after just one maiden start,"

Thunder Moccasin returned $2.40 and $2.20 and $2.10. Il Villano paid $3.40 and $2.20. Quick Wit paid $2.20 to show.

Earlier on Saturday Pletcher notched his 3,000th career victory. Spring Hill Farm put the trainer over the top with a win in the third race at Gulfstream.

"It gives you a little time to reflect. There's not many opportunities to reflect in this business, but milestones like this gives you a chance to appreciate all of them," Pletcher said. "It's been a great run. We've been very fortunate - a lot of great owners, a lot of great horses, tremendous help, a tremendous staff. It's been a lot of fun."

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