Rapid Redux equals seasonal win mark

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Laurel, MD (Sports Network) - Thoroughbred record holder Rapid Redux led the entire way Tuesday and won his 19th race of the year and his 21st straight start. The five-year-old gelding captured Laurel Park's sixth race, a $17,000 starter allowance at 1 1/16-miles.

The victory by Rapid Redux tied the modern mark of 19 wins in a single year held by Citation and early 20th-century horse Roseben. Citation matched Roseben's record in 1948, the same year he won the Triple Crown.

"Citation is one of the all-time greats, just to be mentioned in the same sentence is unbelievable," Rapid Redux' owner Robert Cole said.

Rapid Redux, trained by David Wells, went off as the 3-10 favorite in the six-horse field. He quickly sprinted to the lead leaving the gate and set the pace immediately.

Jockey J. D. Acosta had a firm hold of the favorite and never allowed any of the five challengers to get within a length of the leader. Down the stretch 7-1 third choice Awesome Rhythm tried to catch Rapid Redux, but could not overtake him.

Rapid Redux finished a half-length in front of Awesome Rhythm and stopped the timer at 1:45.08 on a fast track. No Brakes, the 7-2 second pick, finished third followed by First Nite, Shamroge and Zosogood. Derwins Prospector was scratched.

Rapid Redux has earned $212,584 with his perfect record of 19 wins this year. With 27 victories in 41 career starts the five-year-old has banked $351,919.

Rapid Redux returned $2.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Awesome Rhythm paid $5.20 and $2.40, and No Brakes paid $2.10 to show.