In a dramatic finish to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, Deterministic showcased immense grit, leading from start to finish to capture the prestigious $1 million Grade 1 Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes on Sunday.
The victory marked a poignant first Grade 1 win for trainer Miguel Clement, who recently took over the stable following the passing of his father, the renowned trainer Christophe Clement.
“It is beyond emotional, the last two weeks, to be honest with you,” said an emotional Clement. “Both professionally and personally. A massive emptiness to win this race without my Dad, but life goes on. I’m very fortunate and very lucky we have a great team. Very much Dad’s legacy.”
Under a masterful front-running ride by Kendrick Carmouche, Deterministic broke sharply from post 5 and immediately established the lead. The 4-year-old colt by Liam’s Map dictated the pace through fractions of 23.69 for the quarter-mile, 48.47 for the half, and 1:12.99 for three-quarters over the good inner turf course.
“Once I turned on the backside, I was in cruise control,” said Carmouche, who secured his first Grade 1 victory at Saratoga. “He was relaxed and into his stride like I had him at Aqueduct. Just an amazing horse.”
As the field of eight turned for home, Deterministic kicked away, but the race was far from over. Stablemate Far Bridge, under Joel Rosario, ranged up to pose a challenge, and a hard-charging Integration, with John Velazquez aboard, unleashed a furious late rally on the outside.
In a heart-pounding stretch duel, Deterministic dug in resolutely, holding off Integration by a head at the wire. Far Bridge finished a game third, just a neck behind the runner-up, securing a remarkable first and third-place finish for the Clement barn in the prestigious race.
The final time for the one and one-eighth miles was 1:48.93.
The victory was not only a milestone for Miguel Clement but also an emotional one for Carmouche, who also lost his father within the last year. “I am just very happy for Miguel and the Clement family,” Carmouche said. “They’ve been through a lot… the good thing is, his daddy left him a legacy and he’s going to make sure he stays strong with it and keeps pushing hard.”
Clement noted that the cutback in distance to 1 1/8 miles likely benefited Deterministic. The colt, owned by St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, C. Steven Duncker, and Vicarage Stable, had previously set a track record in the Grade 2 Fort Marcy Stakes in May.
The wagering favorite, Spirit of St Louis, trained by Chad Brown, finished a disappointing sixth.
Scratched Horse(s): Highway Robber (Stakes Scratch)
Fractional Times: 23.69 48.47 1:12.99
Final Time: 1:48.93
Winning Connections
Winner: Deterministic
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Miguel Clement
Owner: St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, C. Steven Duncker and Vicarage Stable
Breeder: Hinkle Farms
Bloodline: Dark Bay or Brown Colt, by Liam’s Map out of Giulio’s Jewel, by Speightstown. Foaled Jan 30, 2021 in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Liam’s Map stands at Lane’s End in Versailles, KY. ($40,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (5) Deterministic – Win: $13.60, Place: $6.40, Show: $4.10
2nd – (2) Integration – Place: $4.70, Show: $3.10
3rd – (9) Far Bridge – Show: $3.20
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (5-2) Paid: $26.50, $1.00 Trifecta (5-2-9) Paid: $95.74, $1.00 Superfecta (5-2-9-8) Paid: $911.00
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