The public bet reigning Eclipse Award-winning turf male Modern Games (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) like he couldn’t lose Friday’s GI Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland, but Lael Stables CHEZ PIERRE (FR) (g, 5, Mehmas {Ire}–Hortensia {Ity}, by Orpen) had other designs, as he kicked hard into the stretch and ran out a very easy winner. Alertly into srtride from gate three, the 5-year-old tugged his way to the front beneath Flavien Prat and led the field passing the five-furlong pole, but a headstrong Dr Zempf (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) was allowed to stride to the front with a half-mile to race. Prat remained unhurried aboard 9-1 Chez Pierre, who was never off the bridle and re-engaged Dr Zempf going well at the top of the lane. The two-time Arqana sales grade really poured it on from there to prevail by a good five lengths in stakes-record time of 1:33.46. Modern Games, off at 2-5, looked a bit flat-footed when Dr. Zempf rolled to the front and was hard-ridden the remainder, but could do no better than second, just ahead of second pick Up To the Mark (Not This Time) in third. Sales history: €25,000 Ylg ’19 ARQAUG; €100,000 2yo ’20 ARQJUL. O-Lael Stables; B-SCEA des Prairies & Ecurie de Castillon; T-Arnaud Delacour.
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