The Money Monster Cashes in William Walker

R.A. Hill Stable and BlackRidge Stables' The Money Monster surged to the lead at the sixteenth pole and drew off for a 1 1/2-length victory in the $100,000 William Walker Stakes April 30 at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Jose Lezcano, The Money Monster covered the six furlongs over a fast track in 1:10.70. For Mott, it was his record-extending 698th victory at Churchill and 92nd stakes victory.

Classic Cotton set the pace, with The Money Monster rating in fourth in the run down the backstretch. On the far turn, Lezcano moved four wide to rocket into contention and gradually wore down the leader.

“He broke good. I got him in the clear on the outside," Lezcano said. "When I got him clear he felt very comfortable. When I asked he responded. He finished well.”

The victory was worth $60,760 for The Money Monster, who improved his earnings to $108,760 and has three wins from four starts. The Money Monster is a 3-year-old son of Majestic Warrior, out of the Awesome Again mare Awesomekaylee.

Heavily favored Syndergaard, off at 2-5, broke slowly from the rail under jockey John Velazquez, was steadied on the inside in the backstretch, and lacked a closing kick late. He finished fifth, 5 1/2 lengths behind the winner, but Velazquez claimed foul against second-place finisher Classic Cotton. After the backstretch incident was reviewed by the Churchill stewards, Classic Cotton was disqualified to fifth for interference and Syndergaard was elevated to fourth.

"Johnny said it all went upside down on him from the start," said Syndergaard's trainer, Todd Pletcher. "He hopped at the break then went sideways. After that he had a horse drop down in front of him. But mostly he labored with the track. Johnny said he never got comfortable at all out there.”