Bank Guard gets the money in the Open Trot

December 9, 2021

Bank Guards persistence finally paid off in the Open trot ranks, after 5 unsuccessful starts in Open company, last week trainer Murray Bassen opted to race his 6-year-old Break the Bank gelding in a conditioned race where he won by 2 ½ lengths, the boost in confidence paid off.

Judge Ken made a break before the start, as the gate left Bank Guard was first away to get the lead only briefly as ER Sophia (Jim Taggart Jr) popped out of the 2 hole before the ¼ mile stanza to take the lead in  a soft 29.4 opening panel. Approaching the half It Aint The Whiskey (Renaldo Morales III) was the first to pull to the outside down as ER Sophia tripped the timer in 1:00.1. Down the back side It Aint The Whiskey advance stalled and he was forced to tuck in the 3 hole.  ER Sophia was still on top in 1:29, in the paddock turn Bank Guard popped out of the garden spot to take aim on ER Sophia, the 2 trotted in tandem down the stretch but in the end it was Bank Guard by a head in 1:58.4 – $12.20 and was driven by James Devaux.

Murray Bassen trains Bank Guard who earned his 7th win of the year for owner Gray Thunder Stable and Platinum Gold Stables.

Also on the card Mike Merton drove for the triple and the hot Brandon Parker had a pair of winning drives, trainer Rob Harmon had 2 winners hail from his barn.