Claimer of the Week: Hop Skip and Run Away

Hop Skip and Away raced toward the rear and advanced when entering the turn, swung out behind a wall of foes in mid-stretch and ran down the leader to win going away late in the 12th race at Aqueduct Saturday afternoon. The 10 year old paid $19.80 to his supporters once the 7 furlongs race for $25,000 claimers was made official with a final time of 1:24.84. The gelding recorded his 11th career victory and the first in two seasons. The son of Gold Fever was ridden masterfully by Manuel Franco. Trained by Steve Klesaris, the grandson of Forty Niner and Gulch has finished in the money (top three finishers) in 40 of 73 races. Owned by Winning Move Stable, Hop Skip and Away has now accumulated $685,000 in career earnings