For the second straight year, A. U. Miner earned an automatic berth in
the Breeders' Cup Marathon at Churchill Downs by winning the Greenwood
Cup Stakes July 16 at Parx Racing.
Ridden by Calvin Borel for trainer Clark Hanna and owner Don L. Benge,
A. U. Miner was at the rear of the eight-horse field before going around
rivals on the far turn. The 6-year-old son of Mineshaft took the lead
while four wide entering the stretch and drew off under a drive to win
by 3 ½ lengths as 7-2 second choice. The final time for 1 1/2 miles was
2:30.30.
Birdrun, the 11-10 favorite under Rajiv Marah, led after 1 1/4 miles was completed and held second by a neck over Afleet Again.
The winner paid $8.80, $3.20, 2.80, with Birdrun worth $2.60 and $2.10, and Afleet Again $3.
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