Allen, CR Track Master Win Kentucky Futurity

LEXINGTON, Ky. —  CR Track Master, driven by Mike Allen, posted a 4 1/2-length victory Friday in the Kentucky Futurity, the third leg of trotting’s triple crown.

“He seemed to take on a new life here,” Allen said of the winner, who had lost nine consecutive races before arriving at The Red Mile. “I guess he likes the air and atmosphere in Lexington.”

CR Track Master made his move at the quarter pole, trotted on the outside past the 1-10 favorite Giant Hit and coasted to the wire in 1:55 2/5.

King Pine, with Mike La Chance in the sulky, mounted a late charge to finish second and Giant Hit faded to third.

“He came into this race awfully sharp,” said Allen, who won his first Futurity. “I think he likes the soft track here. He has had problems with his feet this year, but the track turned it around for him.”