Marc Keller’s BRIBON (Fr) (Mark of Esteem [Ire]) swept to a big lead with a
spectacular move on the far turn and held on for a one-length victory in
Wednesday’s $110,000
Westchester S. (G3) at Belmont Park. A near 3-1 favorite over seven rivals,
the Robert Ribaudo-trained gelding garnered his first stakes win when completing
the one-mile, opening-day feature in 1:35 1/5. The six-year-old paid $7.70,
$4.80 and $2.90.
Bribon and jockey Alan Garcia were content to rate off the pace near the rear while Per Incanto (Street Cry [Ire]) and 3-1
third choice Formidable (Sky Mesa)
led the way through quick opening splits of :22 2/5 and :44 2/5 over the fast
track. The French-bred winner rallied five wide to seize the lead and quickly
opened up as he entered the stretch, passing the six-furlong mark in 1:09 2/5. Discreet Treasure (El Prado [Ire]) offered a
brief scare in deep stretch with a strong late showing, but could not get to Bribon.
Overlooked at 11-1 off two straight wins, Discreet Treasure returned $9.80
and $5.90 after finishing 4 1/2 lengths clear of the 10-1 Mor Chances (American
Chance), who paid $5.90. The exotics totaled $65.50 (exacta), $649 (trifecta)
and $3,909 (7-5-10-3 superfecta), with Wicked B. Havior (Unbridled’s Song)
grabbing fourth at 9-1. Spin Master (Distorted Humor) came next under the wire
and was followed by multiple Grade 1 winner Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat), who
registered his third straight unplaced finish of the season, Formidable and Per
Incanto. Cave’s Valley (Stephen Got Even) and Wishful Tomcat (Tactical Cat) were
both scratched.
Bred by Darpat Sl, Bribon hails from the unraced Rowat Arazi (Arazi). This is
the female family of English champion Oh So Sharp (Ire) (Kris) as well as English and
Italian highweight Shantou (Alleged). With the Westchester win, Bribon improved
his overall mark to 26-7-7-3, $375,607. The chestnut recorded a close third,
beaten only three-quarters of a length, in the Cigar Mile H. (G1) last November.