Barbadian Runner Stuns in Maryland Million Classic * The Racing Biz

When Post Time mounted a late charge Saturday in the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic, it appeared the 5-year-old son of Frosted would take his record to 11-for-11 at his home track.

Exactly what you expect from a horse that leaves the gate at 1-9.

But Barbadian Runner had other ideas.

The second-year Barbados gelding dug deep, fended off the favorite and eased away to win by three parts of a length in the most surprising attack of the day.

“I think we beat him pretty fair,” said winning coach Henry Walters. “It felt great. I just started walking to the winner’s circle.”

As expected, the Jamie Ness-trained Blue Kingdom set the classic pace and led the first mile of the nine-furlong contest. The lead was 1.5 lengths after half a mile in an easy 50.31 seconds and to three lengths after three quarters in 1:15.14.

Barbadian Runner, with regular pilot Forest Boyce in the irons, bided his time in third place, 3 ½ lengths behind the leader. Post Time, meanwhile, was in fifth place in the six-horse field, 5 ½ lengths back.

Boyce, who had managed to save ground for most of the trip, brought Barbadian Runner to the three trails for the ride, while Sheldon Russell, who was already working at Post Time, was able to slip through via the rail.

Those two rivals met their challenges inside and outside within the furlong pole, but although they were then on even terms – and Post Time is known for its finishing spirit – Barbadian Runner overcame his rival and slowly increased his lead to the final margin in 1:51.09 over 1 1/8 miles. Barbadian Runner covered the last eighth of a mile in less than 12 seconds.

It was another 1 ¾ lengths from Post Time to Blue Kingdom, who finished third.

Barbadian Runner paid $14.60 to win as second choice. The exacta with the chalk underneath paid $17.30 for a one dollar bet.

Barbadian Runner won for the sixth time in 18 career outings. He increased his career bankroll to nearly $730,000 for owner AJ Will Win Stables.

“Yesterday morning I blew it through the track, that’s what I wanted, that run came through the track today,” Walters said.

Barbadian Runner’s win was certainly in the spirit of the Maryland Million. The day, created by co-founder Jim McKay, the famed sportscaster, is designed to showcase Maryland’s stallions. Post Time, who has earned more than $1.5 million but is not by a Maryland stallion, only took action when a few scrapes dropped the number of Maryland-sired runners below eight.

Barbados began his stud career at Shamrock Farm in Maryland and is now listed at $1,000 in West Virginia. Barbadian Runner, bred by Shamrock and out of the unraced Northern Afleet mare Quiet Run, cost just $5,000 as a yearling at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale.

That turns out to be a wise purchase.

The win was Walters’ first in a Maryland Million race and Boyce’s eighth.

“It feels great. I mean, anyone would love to have a horse like that,” Walters said. “He surprised me from day one when we bought him. We never dreamed he would be this good. He has gotten better every time.”