Allegiance secured a thrilling come-from-behind victory in a Restricted Stakes contest for three-year-old non-winners of four on July 20, 2024.
Trained by Anthony “Baba” Nunes, Allegiance, sired by Midnight Hawk and out of Princess Greeta, surged late to narrowly defeat its rivals by a short head.
The race, spanning 7 furlongs, was open to imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) as well as native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four).
Allegiance boasts a record of ten career starts with three wins and over $2 million in earnings. Allegiance initially broke well, settling into third behind El Rapido (ridden by Aaron Chatrie) and Super Alex (ridden by Richard Henry).
However, as the runners galloped down the backstretch, Grecian Light (ridden by Tevin Foster) and Riches To Rags (ridden by Shavon Townsend) overtook Allegiance.
When the runners entered the half-mile turn, El Rapido maintained the lead, but he took a wide turn at the top of the lane, opening the door for Super Alex and Grecian Light to battle for the top spot.
Roman, Allegiance's rider, expertly timed the colt's move, and Allegiance responded with a powerful late kick, crossing the finish line ahead of Super Alex and Grecian Light in a photo finish.
The race was completed in 1:27.4 with fractions of 24.0, 48.1, and 1:14.1.
