2012 Juddmonte Spinster and Bourbon Stakes

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

Immediately before the Spinster, a field of 12 two-year-olds went 1 1/16 miles on turf in the $150,000 Bourbon Stakes (G3), a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. With Anticipation Stakes (G2) winner Balance the Books was sent off as the 9-10 favorite over 5-1 second choice Brown Almighty, second in the Sunday Silence last out, and 7-1 Sonofasamurai, off his maiden win over the Saratoga turf.

82-1 longest shot Road Agent went to the lead first time by and he set fractions of 23.13, 47.57, and 1:13.40 over the firm course, while stalked by 38-1 Really Sharp. Entering the stretch, Road Agent tired badly allowing Really Sharp to inherit the lead. Balance the Books, last early, closed with a rush and was forced to alter course when Really Sharp bore out, but still prevailed by a nose in 1:45.15. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Brown Almighty third, and 2 more to Sonofasamurai fourth. After a stewards' inquiry, Really Sharp was disqualified from second to sixth for interference, moving Brown Almighty to second and Sonofasamurai to third.

Results chart