FLATTER’s consistent stakes runner Plainsman added a third 2021 stakes victory to his record on Saturday with a win in the Ack Ack Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Making his first graded stakes start since the 2019 Kelso Handicap (G2), the one-mile race saw Plainsman race around the back trio three wide. Entering the final half mile, Plainsman left the other last markers behind to join the main part of the pack and set himself up for a bold run in the end.
The horse weaved his way through light traffic to put himself in the lead with an eighth to go. Not asked for his best near the line, his margin was cut down to a length at the end but it was enough to register his eighth career victory.
“This horse has been in great form this year. I think two-turns is probably his best distance but today he was able to sit a good trip from off the pace at the one-turn mile. He showed a lot of adversity today and ran a good effort,” said trainer Brad Cox.
The Shortleaf Stable 6-year-old has finished on the board in 17 of his 25 starts for $729,207 in earnings. Four of those wins have come in his seven starts this year with Plainsman only finishing out of the top two once in 2021.
Plainsman was a $350,000 yearling purchase by his racing owner and was bred by Joseph Minor out of S.S. Pinafore, who also produced Group 3-placed Liam. The mare is also a three-quarter sister to multiple graded stakes winner Southdale and half-sister to the dam of two other stakes performers.
S.S. Pinafore also has a FLATTER full brother to Plainsman named Ariston.
FLATTER is having another top year on the track with his two Grade 1 performers including Grade 1 winner Search Results. In all, FLATTER has six stakes winners and 11 stakes horses in 2021 alone.