Tesseron trounces Turf Endurance Series rivals

A grey son of Tapit, Tesseron, under a confident Emma-Jayne Wilson, strutted away from his rivals with ease down the long E.P. Taylor Turf Course, securing his second straight score and third triumph in his past four starts.

It was 51-1 outsider O Wanderlust, under Davy Moran, who took immediate control of the 1 5/8-mile race, with Wilson and Tesseron keeping close tabs on the pacesetter from second spot through a half-mile in :55.16.

Things remained status quo after a mile timed in 1:46.08, as Tesseron waited for his cue from Wilson. As the field rounded the turn for home, the champion rider called on the second choice on the toteboard and he responded with a lightning-quick move to assume control, then widened his advantage at will to win by five lengths.

Sine Metu was second, while O Wanderlust and Liddyup were third and fourth, respectively.

The final time was 2:44.51, contested over ‘firm’ going.

It was the sixth career triumph from 25 starts for the Kentucky-bred gelding, trained by Harold Ladoucer. Bred by Magalen O. Bryant, Tesseron has three wins and a pair of thirds from six starts on the campaign.

The seven-year-old, who received 10 points for the win, now has 25 after the third leg of four races in the series, 10 clear of closet rival Sine Metu, who has 15 points.

The series, which began in July, concludes on October 22 with the final 2-1/4 mile marathon event. At stake is a $15,000 bonus and trophy for the winning connections of the point leader.

Open to any horse with preference given to horses with the most points, Turf Endurance Series horses earn points each race: 1st = 10 points, 2nd = 7 points, 3rd = 5 points, 4th = 3 points, 5th = 2 points, all other entrants = 1 point.

Tesseron paid $5.80, $3.40 and $2.70, combining with Sine Metu ($7, $4.40) for a $27.90 (3-5) exactor. A 3-5-6 triactor (O Wanderlust, $11.40 to show) was worth $391. A $1 Superfecta of 3-5-6-7 (Liddyup) returned $921.05.​