Pulsate scored his first stakes win in Friday’s $120,000 Lucky Coin S. over the Saratoga turf to become the 12th added-money winner of the year for Speightstown, who currently ranks third on the 2021 General Sire list with $11.6 million in progeny earnings.
Pulsate, under Manny Franco, got a good stalking trip in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint. In third just behind the leaders until he hit the top of the stretch, Pulsate went three-wide to take over the lead with a furlong to run. Backtohisroots closed late, but couldn’t get closer than a neck as Pulsate finished very well to stop the timer in 1:02.39 on the firm turf.
“Did it set up perfect? You can’t write the script any better,” said winning trainer Bob Ribaudo. “The fact that you’re inside and can outrun the rest of the field, so that you’re not boxed down on the fence. So, he stalked the leaders and was able to get out a little bit. No problem. Manny rode him perfect, as usual.”
Pulsate is 4-4-2 in 17 outings. The 5-year-old has earned $307,655 for owner Marc Keller.
The winner was bred in Kentucky by Austin Paul and is out of the stakes winner Celestial Kitten.
