It was a unique exacta for FIRST SAMURAI in the Tinsel Stakes on Saturday when son Bal Harbour beat grandson Last Samurai to the line.
The 7-year-old Bal Harbour was quick out of the gate in the 1 1/8 mile race and immediately took control of the pace. Racing a few paths off the rail early, Bal Harbour moved in to the rail in the far turn and was asked for his best in the stretch.
It was at that point that Last Samurai made his move and the pair duked it out 3 ¼ lengths ahead of the third place runner with Bal Harbour coming out the winner by a neck.
It was the second win in four starts this year for Bal Harbour, who was last seen finishing third in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2) on the Breeders’ Cup undercard. In all, Bal Harbour has won seven of 34 starts for over $870,000 in earnings.
Racing most of his career as a homebred for Red Oak Stable, he is now trained by Robertino Diodoro for John Holleman.
Bal Harbour is one of seven stakes winners for FIRST SAMURAI this year with the stallion having 12 stakes performers overall in 2022. Last Samurai is out of FIRST SAMURAI’s daughter Lady Samurai. The Grade 2 winner is one of 11 stakes winners out of FIRST SAMURAI’s daughters with the mares producing 9.35% stakes performers.