In a thrilling display of late-race heroics, Integration, a 4-year-old Quality Road bay owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing, stormed to victory in the Grade 2, $300,000 Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. Trained by the legendary Shug McGaughey, Integration's triumph not only secured his status as a millionaire but also avenged a previous second-place finish for his stablemate, Cugino, earlier on the card.

A Masterful Performance Propels Integration to the Winner's Circle

Settling into Position, Integration Patiently Waits for His Moment

Integration, breaking from post position 2, settled into third position early on as City Man and Rebel Red set the pace through the opening quarter-mile in a brisk 25.10 seconds. Jockey Flavien Prat, known for his tactical prowess, kept Integration well within striking distance, saving ground along the rail as the field passed the grandstand for the first time. As the pace quickened, with Rebel Red overtaking City Man at the half-mile mark, Prat remained content to bide his time, allowing Integration to conserve his energy for the final push.

The Battle Intensifies as the Field Rounds the Final Turn

As the field entered the second turn, Limited Liability, piloted by the legendary Frankie Dettori, made a bold move, traveling wide to advance from the back of the pack and into third position. Meanwhile, Rebel Red and Limited Liability engaged in a spirited duel, with City Man sandwiched between them as the field reached the one-mile mark in 1:38.02.

Integration Unleashes a Devastating Closing Kick

With the frontrunners locked in a fierce battle, Integration remained patient, traveling comfortably along the fence. As the field straightened for home, Rebel Red and Limited Liability continued to battle, refusing to concede. But Integration, sensing his opportunity, unleashed a devastating closing kick, sweeping past both horses in the final sixteenth of a mile to secure a two-length victory in a final time of 2:13.28.

A Millionaire's Triumph and a Potential Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Bid

Integration's victory not only earned him millionaire status, with the $165,000 winner's share of the purse bringing his total earnings to over $1.1 million, but it also set the stage for a potential start in the prestigious Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park in January. Trainer Shug McGaughey expressed his satisfaction with Integration's performance, noting the colt's ability to find another gear in the final stages of the race.

Limited Liability Battles Gamely for Second, Rebel Red Impresses in Defeat

While Integration emerged victorious, the battle for second place was equally captivating. Limited Liability, cutting back from a dominant win in the Nashville Gold Cup at Kentucky Downs, fought gamely to edge out Rebel Red for the runner-up position. Jockey Frankie Dettori praised Limited Liability's determination, acknowledging the colt's tendency to break slowly but his ability to make up ground in the stretch. Rebel Red, trained by Cherie DeVaux, also earned praise for his first attempt at the 11-furlong distance, with jockey Jose Ortiz expressing his satisfaction with the horse's performance.