Seven New York-bred 2-year-olds were sent to the post for the $45,000 Tin Cup Chalice Stakes at Finger Lakes Nov. 18, and after a thrilling stretch run, it was Cast a Coin who would tenaciously come out the victor.
Sent off as the 2-1 second choice beneath jockey Steven Fret, the Central Banker gelding was content relaxing in third while the filly No Factor set fractions of :22.68 and :46.37.
Fret didn't panic as favored Blamicker made an early bid for the lead approaching the quarter pole, setting his sights on the new pacesetter off the turn. He had the favorite without a doubt, but Notfanutin and Mr. Sugar Daddy were menacing with their late bids from both sides.
Cast a Coin dug deep and found more at Frey's urging, refusing to be denied and hitting the wire a neck clear of Notfanutin. He completed six furlongs in 1:12.97 and paid $7.20 to win. The victory was a first at the stakes level for Fret.
Owned by Gold Bear Farm and trained by Jacqueline Falk, Cast a Coin earned his second consecutive victory after breaking his maiden at Finger Lakes Oct. 16. In four starts, he is 2-1-0 for earnings of $55,717. He was bred in New York by McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds.
The Tin Cup Chalice was the final stakes race of Finger Lakes' 2024 season, with closing day being Nov. 27.
