Last Gunfighter captures Hawthorne Gold Cup

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Stickney, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Post-time favorite Last Gunfighter took the lead in mid-stretch and ran to victory in Saturday's $350,000 Hawthorne Gold Cup at Hawthorne Race Course.

Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Joe Bravo, Last Gunfighter went off as the 9-10 favorite in the eight-horse field with Woodward winner Alpha was the 5-2 second selection for the 1 1/4-mile stakes.

Last Gunfighter, owned by John Gunther, raced in the back of the field until the far turn. The 4-year-old colt moved near the lead on the final turn from the outside and went past Street Spice at the top of the stretch.

Bravo urged his horse down the stretch, holding off 14-1 longshot Mister Marti Gras nearing the wire and posting a one-length victory. Street Spice at 29-1 finished third followed by Alpha, Suns Out Guns Out, Fordubai, Hattaash and Derby Kitten. Prayer for Relief was scratched to run Friday at Churchill Downs in the Clark Handicap.

Last Gunfighter stopped the timer at 2:06.11 on a fast track.

The 4-year-old added $210,000 to his bankroll and recorded his fifth win in eight starts this year. The colt has won eight of 15 lifetime starts and has gone over the $1 million mark in earnings.

Last Gunfighter was fifth in the Breeders' Cup Classic four weeks ago, but posted wins this year in the Evening Attire, Excelsior, Pimlico Special and Iselin Handicap. He was also second to Flat Out in the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park on July 6.

Last Gunfighter paid $3.80, $2.40 and $2.60. Mister Marti Gras returned $7.80 and $5.40, and Street Spice paid $8.80 to show.