Bank Merger got his first career stakes win with a hard-fought win in $250,000 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing on Oct. 9. The 3-year-old son of Consolidator was most recently second in the Grade 1 King's Bishop at Saratoga on Aug. 28.

Making just his fourth career start in the six furlong Gallant Bob, Bank Merger didn't get a rest at any point in the race. Just two lengths separated the entire field of six after a quarter-mile, with Bank Merger three wide in fifth. With just an eighth-mile to the wire, it was still a four horses right together. Bank Merger poked his head in front at the sixteenth pole, and would not be denied as he hit the wire to win by a neck in a very good time of 1:09.31.

Bank Merger has now won three of his four starts. Bred and owned by Darley Stable, earning $254,000. He is trained by Kiaran McLaughlin.

Consolidator is one of only two Florida second-crop sires with progeny earnings in excess of $1.5 million, trailing only fellow Journeyman stallion Wildcat Heir. He also ranks among the top 10 of all sires in the state. 

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