Main Sequence debuts with win in United Nations Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Oceanport, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - Main Sequence, making his North American debut, captured Sunday's $500,000 United Nations Handicap at Monmouth Park.

Trained by Graham Motion and ridden by Rajiv Maragh, Main Sequence broke slowly from the gate to start the 1 3/8-mile United Nations on Monmouth's turf course. The 5-year-old chestnut gelding was sent off at 8-1 in the nine-horse field.

The European invader raced in seventh behind pacesetter Side Glance with 3-1 favorite Kaigun in second. Main Sequence rallied wide around the final turn and moved impressively down the stretch.

At the top of the stretch Side Glance, Twilight Eclipse and Kaigun were across the track as Main Sequence entered the picture. The gelding accelerated nearing the wire and was able to post a neck victory over 7-2 second choice Twilight Eclipse.

"When I called on him he showed a tremendous turn of foot and kept running hard all the way to the wire," said Maragh. "We just wanted to get him in a good rhythm and not worry about the pace or anything else, just keep him happy. We came around the outside into the stretch and when I called on him he just accelerated."

Side Glance was third followed by Winning Cause, Kaigun, Ghurair, Charming Kitten, Exclusive Strike and Manchurian High. Lochte was a scratch.

The time for the United Nations was 2:14.23 on a firm turf course.

The United Nations is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" race. The victory gives Main Sequence an automatic berth in the 1 1/2-mile Turf on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.

"He's not fond of getting to the lead too early, but he showed a tremendous turn of foot. The way he's been working, I've been really anxious to run him for three or four weeks now. I think the Breeders' Cup is now something we can consider," Motion said.

Owned by Flaxman Holdings, Ltd., Main Sequence earned $300,000 with his first win on American soil. The 5-year-old has a record of five wins, three seconds and three thirds in 15 lifetime starts for $988,311.

Main Sequence returned $18.00, $8.60 and $5.60. Twilight Eclipse paid $5.00 and $3.80, and Side Glance paid $4.40 to show.