Mind Control Snaps Losing Streak With Win In Nerud Stakes At Belmont

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As they came out of the turn, Firenze Fire and Mind Control pulled away from the rest of the field, two lengths in front of the other four, but Firenze Fire on the rail could not shake Mind Control, who battled back for a head advantage.

At the wire, the difference between a third consecutive victory for Firenze Fire and a long overdue trip to the winner’s circle for Mind Control was a head. Three Technique, Top Seed, Wicked Trick, and American Power rounded out the field. The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:21.94.

Mind Control paid $12.60, $3.40, and $2.80. Firenze Fire paid $2.30 and $2.10. Three Technique paid $3.10 to show.

The Grade 2 John A. Nerud Stakes is a Win and You’re In event for the 2021 Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar in Del Mar, Calif. on Nov. 6. Winners get a guaranteed spot in the starting gate with all fees paid for the corresponding Breeders’ Cup race.

Winning rider John Velazquez knew that Mind Control could get the victory today.

“I told Todd that if he broke well, I was going to use him to get into a good position. I knew Irad [Ortiz, Jr. aboard Firenze Fire] had to be pushed coming out of there, and if someone else wanted to go crazy then I would sit off of them. I knew there was enough speed, so I used him well enough to put his head in front and then Irad come after me. It was a two-horse race. That’s the way it turned out and my horse was better than the other one today.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher knew that the break was key to winning the Nerud. “The first quarter was reasonable. We weren’t necessarily intent on getting the lead but we did want to make sure we got away cleanly. You can’t let a horse like Firenze Fire get away with an easy lead, so we were happy to see him [Mind Control] break alertly. He ran a great race.”

Mind Control is a 5-year-old horse by Stay Thirsty out of the mare Feel That Fire, by Lightnin N Thunder. He was bred in Kentucky by Red Oak Stable and is owned by Red Oak and Madaket Stables. The G2 Nerud is his eighth victory in 21 starts for career earnings of $1,259,229.

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