A year ago, Economic Model made his 2yo debut at Saratoga. The son of Flatter won handily, by over 2 lengths. In his next start, the first of his 3yo campaign, he ran 2nd in the G2 Swale Stakes.
His only hiccup was this year’s G2 Tampa Bay Derby, where he finished off-the-board among a talented field that included Outwork (G1) and Destin (G2W/G1P). That is the only time he has finished off-the-board.
In 7 career starts, Economic Model has 3 wins and 3 seconds. Four of his 7 career starts have been among Graded Stakes company, the aforementioned Swale Stakes (G2) in which he ran second; the Tampa Bay Derby (G2); 2nd in the Dwyer (G3); and 2nd in this weekend’s King’s Bishop (G1).
Testing Grade 1 competition for the first time, Economic Model faced an imposing field of twelve horses, including talented runners Mohaymen, Fish Trappe Road, Tom’s Ready, and the 3-1 favorite Drefong. Swinging four wide at the 3/4 pole (1:09.09), Economic Model charged down the stretch, but could not catch Drefong, who completed the 7 furlongs in 1:21.25.
For his sire Flatter, Economic Model became the 5th Grade 1 performer of 2016 (only Tapit has more).