Can Group came from last in the field of 12 at the top of the stretch to win Sunday’s $350,000 Bourbon S. (G2) by the narrowest of margins over Noted.
This was the first stakes win for 2-year-old Good Samaritan colt and also earned him a guaranteed spot in next month’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) as part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In series.
Can Group has now won both of his grass starts in come-from-behind style. Sunday’s win at 1 1/16-miles was the most dramatic. He was allowed to coast along at the back of the field for the first six furlongs he unleashed his run after turning for home. Showing amazing turn of foot, he flew down the center of the track past the entire field to nab Noted in the last stride.
The final time was 1:43.73 on a firm turf course.
“He was [last going into the final turn],” said winning rider Francisco Arrieta. “When I moved and he saw the leaders, he just took off and, wow, it was amazing. I felt like I crossed the wire in front. He was rolling. I won with him at Kentucky Downs and he came from off the pace very nice, slow, so today I planned the same. Relax, give him time and make one move, and he showed up.”
Can Group is owned by D. J. Stable LLC and Cash is King LLC, who purchased him for $100,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling sale. The bay colt was bred in Kentucky by Wynnstay Inc. and H. Allen Poindexter.
Pedigree notes from the TDN
Can Group builds on a strong month-plus in Kentucky for Good Samaritan, who was also represented by the $1 million GIII Big Ass Fans Music City S. winner Secret Money–his first at the graded level–and $1-million Dueling Grounds Oaks runner-up Sabalenka on the same weekend Can Group earned his diploma. The winner’s unraced dam Blue Gallina has now been responsible for a trio of juvenile stakes winners, including 2019 Prairie Gold Lassie and Iowa Sorority S. winner Flat Out Speed.
