DALE Murphy, trainer of Runaway Algo, believes his four-year-old, American-bred, chestnut colt’s outstanding triumph in the Seeking My Dream Trophy on Saturday, May 20, 2023 demonstrates his charge’s growth.

In a show of his talent, Runaway Algo beat competitors by 13 1/2 lengths in an Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and older horses, covering 7 1/2 furlongs (1,500m). Runaway Algo ran the distance in a new Stakes record time of 1:30.4 (24.2 x 47.0 x 1:10.2). The final time came close to Sky Train’s track record of 1:29.2 set on May 7, 1983.

“Yes, Runaway Algo won nicely here and I am very pleased with the horse’s performance right now. We expected something like that because we’d been working him for a while and he was carrying himself nicely throughout exercise,” Murphy said in his post race interview.

“We just want to pick some races and hopefully later in the year we’ll have accumulated enough points to compete in the more lucrative events, particularly the Mouttet Mile. And, as you know, the purse for the Mouttet Mile is US$150,000,” Murphy continued.

Runaway Algo had never won a race at this level before in his career as his previous six victories have all come at the Overnight Allowance or lower. Murphy, however, believes his runner is capable of winning at the highest level.

“We are here now and we have one more chance at Open Allowance. This is the first time we have won at this level so we are happy about it, and hopefully we can win another one at this level and then try and win a Grade One race.

“We haven’t won any Grade One races yet, despite being competitive at that level, but he is progressing nicely. At four years old he is mature; he understands us and we understand him,” Murphy explained.

Linton Steadman sent the Runaway Algo to the lead early in the race, and he maintained the advantage over Calculus (Bebeto Harvey) and Blue Vinyl (Javaniel Patterson). Despite being pressed by Calculus, Runaway Algo maintained a steady gallop down the backstretch until the half mile (800m) when he pulled away with ease from rivals.

Under cruise control coming into the lane, Runaway Algo changed gears and raced home under a hand ride to win handily at the wire. Calculus finished second, ahead of stablemate Sistren Treasure.

“He [Steadman] rode Runaway Algo the last time at Overnight Allowance and won, and as long as he is around we will stick with him. He is the one who works him in the mornings,” Murphy said.