Poster sees off late flyer to take G2 Remsen Stakes

Promising juvenile Poster continued a perfect start to his career as he withstood Aviator Gui’s late charge to win the G2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, USA, on Saturday, 7 December. 

Switching to dirt on the back of impressive turf wins at Ellis Park and Keeneland, Poster broke on terms and was taken to the rear of the six runners by Flavien Prat, some six lengths off the pace-setting Tux. 

Poster moved up a spot after the first three furlongs and closed slightly on the lead before the whole field bunched leaving the back stretch. The Eoin Harty-trained colt made a four-wide move turning in, sweeping by the leaders to take up the running at the top of the straight. 

Having opened up a two-length advantage passing the furlong pole, Poster had to be pushed out as Aviator Gui closed strongly, with the Godolphin colt holding on by a nose at the line. 

Eoin Harty said: “Flavien Prat is full of confidence and there are no instructions when a guy is riding like that. He said he saw the runner-up was in trouble and realised that it was either go for broke then or he might have to fight him off in the stretch. I think that was the key decision. 

“Michael Banahan [Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA] made the call to run on the dirt and it was a good call. 

“Poster and [Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes winner] First Resort are two very nice horses, and I’m very honoured to have them. First Resort has a lot of confidence, he has always been that way since day one, whereas Poster just lacks a little confidence. It will come with time.”