Post Time went out in style Dec. 20, running down archrival Barbadian Runner in the Laurel Park stretch to win the $99,000 Robert T. Manfuso Stakes, the final start of his distinguished career.
Post Time wasn't rushed into the Manfuso as for the Maryland Million Classic Stakes when he finished second to Barbadian Runner, and his stable teemed with confidence over the benefit of added rest. Patiently handled by Sheldon Russell, who kept the late runner in last place in the field of five through the backstretch, Post Time kicked into gear over the final quarter-mile. The favorite advanced on the leader, moved past Barbadian Runner well into the stretch, and reached the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:44.54 for 1 1/16 miles. Pay Billy finished a distant third.
After 5-year-old Post Time delivered his 13th victory in 23 starts and bumped his earnings to $1,558,705, Brittany Russell, who trains Post Time for owner Ellen Charles of Hillwood Stable, used a jacket sleeve to wipe her eyes and said, "He's taught me a few things. If I ever get another one like him, I'll know to enjoy every single step. ... These horses are hard to come by."
Sheldon Russell said, "He's taken me to places I never thought I would go," one stop of which includes a runner-up finish in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar.
A multiple graded stakes-winning son of Frosted , Post Time will begin stud duty next year at Northview Stallion Station in Maryland, standing for $4,000.
