Bank Merger proved he belongs with the nation's best sprinters with a huge effort in the King's Bishop (G1) Aug. 28 at Saratoga. The son of Consolidator was beaten 1 1/4-lengths by heavily favored Discreetly Mine and was two lengths clear of third-place finisher Latigo Shore.

The seven-furlong King's Bishop carried a purse of $250,000 for 3-year-olds. As usual, the race drew a high-quality field, with the likes of D'Funnybone, Bulldogger and Hurricane Ike.  Bank Merger was allowed to take up his spot in fifth early on. Midway on the turn, jockey Alan Garcia roused his mount. Bank Merger responded, brushing with D'Funnybone as the top of the lane. He finished with good energy behind Discreetly Mine, who led gate to wire over the speed-favoring track.

Bank Merger won on opening day of the 2010 meet at Saratoga. The Darley bred and owned chestnut  is 2-1-0 in just three starts. He has earned $104,000.

Bank Merger is one of two winners out of Lucrative, who is a half-sister to Banker's Gold, winner of the Peter Pan S. (G2) and the Tom Fool H. (G2).

The 3-year-old is part of the first crop by Consolidator, who stands at Journeyman Stud. He currently ranks second on Florida's second crop sire list.

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