Bumper payday for Pixelate in G3 Mint Million

Pixelate produced a storming late run to gain the most valuable victory of his career in the mile G3 Mint Million at Kentucky Downs, USA, on Monday, 6 September.

The City Zip colt, who had also shown an impressive turn of foot when capturing the G2 Del Mar Derby 12 months earlier, was held up in a clear eighth of the 10 runners by Joel Rosario.

Pixelate still had significant ground to make up as the field swept round the home turn but the Michael Stidham-trained four-year-old started to make stealthy headway around horses at the top of the straight.

He flew home on the rising ground entering the final furlong, reeling in Somelikeithotbrown with just under half a furlong left before quickening away for a two and a half-length success.

Michael Stidham said: “Pixelate deserves this because he finally got his day in the sun. He got to make up for some of those times when we reached out and ran in some of the big races and he was only beaten two-three lengths.

“I'm so proud of the horse and what he has accomplished. If you look at his form, he goes out and runs his heart out every time we run him, no matter what type of spot we pick. He is always trying. Today things set up nicely for him - he tried like he always does and it put him in the winner’s circle.”

Joel Rosario said: “With the speed in front of me, it looked like they were going good. The key for me was trying to find a way through the track. Pixelate kept building, building, building and the long stretch helped get him there.”