Rapid Redux runs streak to 22, honored with Eclipse Award

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Laurel, MD (Sports Network) - Horse of the Year candidate Rapid Redux successfully extended his unbeaten streak to 22 with a front-running victory Wednesday at Laurel Park. Earlier in the day it was announced that the six- year-old gelding is to be honored with a Special Eclipse Award.

Rapid Redux, owned by Robert Cole, posted his first win of 2012 and record 22nd consecutive victory. Trained by David Wells, the gelding was ridden by J.D. Acosta in a $17,000 one-mile starter allowance versus four challengers after three horses were scratched.

"Laurel lays out the red carpet every time and it is great to go there," Wells said. His charge covered the mile in 1:38.24 on a fast track to win by three-quarters of a length.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, Rapid Redux returned $2.80, $2.10 and $2.10. Runner-up Awesome Rhythm paid $2.40 and $2.10, and Gold Casing paid $2.20 to show. Sarge's and Grunwald completed the order of finish.

Rapid Redux won as the 3-10 favorite on December 13 for his 19th win in 2011, matching the modern mark for a single year held by Citation and early 20th- century horse Roseben. Citation equaled Roseben's record in 1948, the same year he won the Triple Crown.

The gelding began the win streak on December 2, 2010 at Penn National. He broke the record for consecutive wins last November at Mountaineer Park with his 20th straight victory.

Wednesday's win was worth $9,690 to run Rapid Redux's career total to $361,609 with 28 wins in 42 starts. Since being claimed by Cole in October, 2010 at Penn National, the gelding has won 23 of 24 races for $266,074.

It was revealed a few hours earlier that Rapid Redux will receive the Special Eclipse Award. This honor is for extraordinary service, individual achievements in, or contributions to the sport of thoroughbred racing.

"It's a top award in this sport and a dream come true," said Cole. "Rapid Redux has shown the greatest in durability and consistency. He hasn't thrown in a bad race. To win like this over a 13-month period is nearly impossible. He's Maryland home-grown running in Maryland. We wanted him to stay close to home as he relates so well to the average fan. It's not like going to the sales and paying a million dollars. He's a blue-collar horse."

The 41st Annual Eclipse Awards will be held at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA on Monday, January 16.