G1 American Paint Classic Futurity

Overcoming poor beginnings in stakes races was the theme on April 26 at Remington Park in two big Paint races. In both events, the wagering favorites struggled in the early strides with one managing to post a comeback win, the other finishing off the board.

In the $103,386 American Paint Classic, a restricted Grade 1 race for 2-year-old Paints, Speed Bandit stumbled leaving the starting gate but was able to keep going for the win under jockey Kenny Muntz at 6-5 odds.

While Speed Bandit ran through his troubles, SM Country Snowman could not in the $38,653 American Paint Derby during the prior race. Previously undefeated through seven races at Remington Park, SM Country Snowman suffered a severe stumble when the gates unlatched, nearly falling completely. Jockey G.R. Carter was able to stay aboard and get the heavy 3-5 favorite going forward but he could not make up the ground already lost to his foes, settling for fourth.

Owned by Tom Denham of Glenpool, Okla. and trained by Dee Keener, Speed Bandit was ahead of just one of his nine rivals after his stumble.

"I got a little scared when he fell down coming out of the gates," Muntz said. "He got back up and got his feed back under him and I thought he might be able to go ahead and win the race."

Speed Bandit moved past the leading Ride Me Hard in late stretch to gain victory by a head in :17.805 for the 350-yard Classic over a fast track.

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• Paint
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• Remington
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