Phat Man Victorious in Battery Park
It was another trip to the winner’s circle for Munnings’ Grade 3 winner Phat Man (7g Munnings x Nicole’s Dream, by Northern Trend) on Saturday when he recorded his fourth career stakes win in the Battery Park Stakes at Delaware Park.
Looking to give trainer Kent Sweezey a double on the card, Phat Man broke even with the field and was happy to take his place in the back of the field as they raced 1 1/16 miles. The experienced warrior was happy to stick to his spot until they reached the far turn and the running really got under way.
Phat Man raced three wide past the field to confront the leaders as they galloped into the stretch. It was over from there with Florent Geroux giving the gelding a hand ride in the final furlong to win by two lengths.
Racing for Marianne Stribling, Force Five Racing, and Two Rivers Racing Stable, Phat Man was taking home his ninth victory in 35 starts with 10 other top three finishes for $621,609 in earnings.
Bred by Kim and Roney Narelli, Phat Man is out of the multiple stakes winner Nicole’s Dream, who has produced five winners from eight starters. A 24-time winner herself, Nicole’s Dream is also the dam of stakes winner Estrella.
Phat Man is the 12th blacktype winner in 2021 for Munnings, who is having another banner year as a top five general sire.