Marconi scored his first graded stakes win Saturday at Belmont Park in the $400,000 Brooklyn Inv. (G2), marking the third straight stakes win for the 4-year-old colt owned by Bridlewood Farm, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor.
Winner of the Flat Out S. and Skip Away S. in his previous two starts, Marconi is now 4-1-1 in nine starts and has earned $424,702. He also placed in the Withers S. (G3) in 2018.
Sent to the front right away by Jose Lezcano, Marconi had a length on the field in the 1 1/2-mile marathon. Setting comfortable fractions the entire way, he got his first big challenge midway on the final turn, when both Realm and You’re to Blame came on even terms. Pulling away again at the top of the stretch, Marconi was threatened on both sides by numerous foes, but held gamely to win by a half-length. Incredibly, the top six finishers were separated by just over a length.
“It seems like he’s really found his niche,” said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “He’s gradually improving and been a lot more consistent in not only his races, but also training. I was happy to see him continue moving forward.
“The plan wasn’t to be on the front but we wanted him to be in the race. Especially from the one-hole, I didn’t want him to be shuffled back and over complicate things for him. From here, we’ll consider going a mile and a quarter in the Suburban [G2, July 6]. A prestigious race like that would mean a lot for him.”
Out of Ponche de Leona, Marconi is a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Mucho Macho Man and black type winner Southern Girl.
