1:49.4 mile at Colonial

Racing Naked paced the fastest mile of the meet with a 1:49.4 clocking Thursday night at Colonial Downs. Racing Naked earned a new lifetime mark and scored his ninth win of the season for owner William Camp Jr. and trainer John Sumner.

Racing Naked was the quickest off the gate, but driver Joe Essig Jr. was content to let Dean Collins and 4-5 favorite Still Chugging take the top spot down the backside.

Still Chugging paced the opening quarter in :26.1 as Racing Naked enjoyed a pocket trip in second. The field continued single file down the backstretch and Still Chugging got the half in :53.2. Essig remained patient as they raced around Colonial’s lone turn. Charms Shark moved first-over to turn up the heat on Still Chugging and Racing Naked dropped back to third as they turned for home after three-quarters in 1:21.3.

Still Chugging and Charms Shark locked up in a head-to-head duel in upper stretch with Racing Naked a length back in third. Up Front JS launched a late rally on the far outside as Still Chugging began to feel the effects of the blistering early pace.

Racing Naked found room between horses inside the eighth pole and the 6-year-old Misfit horse responded with a burst of speed to take control of the race. Racing Naked crossed the line three-quarters of a length to the better of Charms Shark.

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