Lucky Jim equals world record in Nat Ray win

Lucky Jim rebounded from his first defeat of the season to crush the $300,000 Nat Ray field Saturday at the Meadowlands, trotting away by four and one-half lengths to win in 1:50.1. The time equaled the all-age world record.

 

When the gate folded Gift Kronos and Daniel Dube left for the front from post five, followed by Andy Miller and even-money favorite Lucky Jim, who fired from post eight. Lanson and Mike Lachance led the field past the quarter (:27.4) as Glen Kronos and Lutfi Kolgjini pressed on the outside before taking the lead. The Julie Miller-trained Lucky Jim dropped in fourth early, but quickly made his bid racing to the half (:55.2), brushing to the front and reaching three quarters in 1:23.1.

 

Racing out of the turn, the four-year-old S J’s Photo gelding poured on the power, stepping away with every stride. Glen Kronos held on for second while Gift Kronos rounded out the trifecta. Owned by David Prushnok, John Prushnok and William Gregg, Lucky Jim added $150,000 to his bankroll, which now stands at $873,321. The time equaled the all-age world record shared by Donato Hanover and Giant Diablo, both clocking the time at The Red Mile in 2007.