|
|
Gayego runs away with Ancient Title
"These guys know their horses," Gomez said. "I wasn't surprised that he settled as well as he did because they said he would. They told me to just take my time with him and get him up under me and he'd come home no problem. I just didn't know how much of a turn of foot he'd have, but he answered that question." Crown of Thorns (Repent), who returned off a 19-month layoff last out to run third against allowance/optional claiming rivals, ran well to take down second by a half-length over Delta Storm (Storm Boot), paying $6.20 and $5.40 at 8-1 while ending the $14.10 exacta ($1). Show was worth $8.60 at 19-1, and the $1 trifecta gave back $172.60. Cost of Freedom (Cee's Tizzy), winner of this race last year and fourth last out in the Pirate's Bounty S. in his return from the near year-long break, rounded out the $954 superfecta (5-6-3-7) ($1). Next under the line were Riley Tucker (Harlan's Holiday), Square Eddie (Smart Strike), Atta Boy Roy (Tribunal), Nikki'sgoldensteed (Formal Gold), Supreme Summit (Cactus Ridge) and Red Arrow. Gayego made a name for himself as a sophomore, setting a new track record when taking the San Pedro S. and finishing second in the San Felipe S. (G2). Then trained by Paulo Lobo, the colt was sent to Oaklawn and rewarded the decision with a victory in the Arkansas Derby (G2). He didn't do so well in his Triple Crown bid, running 17th in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and 11th in the Preakness S. (G1), and was given the summer off. A seventh in the Damascus S. followed in his return in late October, but he got back to his winning ways next out to take an allowance/optional claimer at Hollywood Park, establishing another track record. Purchased by Godolphin soon after that impressive victory, Gayego showed up during the Dubai International Racing Carnival and immediately added a win in the Mahab Al Shimaal (UAE-G3) to his line. The now four-year-old rallied to finish second in the Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2) on Dubai World Cup Day, then was given a lengthy break. Returning on August 17 at Saratoga, the dark bay overcame a bobbling break and being forced to check to score in his return. The winner's share from the Ancient Title boosts his earnings to $1,299,620, and his line now stands at 13-7-3-0. Bred in Kentucky by Hargus and Sandra Sexton, Gayego brought $32,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. He is out of the winning Devils Lake (Lost Code) and has three younger half-siblings, the multiple stakes-placed Marquee Event (Marquetry), an unnamed juvenile colt by Sarava and a weanling filly by Corinthian. Devils Lake is herself a half-sister to dual Grade 2 victress Diamond Duo (Badger Land).
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
