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Declan's Moon sails in Santa Catalina
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Declan's Moon is now five-for-five thanks to his Santa Catalina victory
(Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com) |
Jay Em Ess Stable's DECLAN'S MOON (Malibu Moon) remained unbeaten and
solidified his status as a leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with an
authoritative victory in Saturday's $200,000
Santa Catalina S. (G2) at Santa
Anita. Making his three-year-old bow, the Ron Ellis-trained gelding was carried
a bit wide into the first turn and stalked pacesetter Spanish Chestnut (Horse
Chestnut [SAf]) in third while well off the rail down the backstretch. Going
Wild (Golden Missile) darted through an opening on the rail to challenge for the
lead leaving the far turn, but Declan's Moon was waiting to pounce on the far outside. The two-year-old champion quickly dispatched his rival and
drew off to a two-length decision."Hopefully this race didn't take too much out of him," Ellis said. "He was
pricking his ears down there at the end and hopefully this was just what I
wanted. We'll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully he's not too tired and he eats
up and all that kind of stuff but for right now, I'm as happy as I can be."
Sent off the 4-5 favorite with Victor Espinoza, Declan's Moon improved his
career mark to five-for-five, with $627,300 in earnings, and will make his final
start before the Kentucky Derby in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April
9. He paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10 and keyed the $5.50 exacta ($1) with runner-up
Going Wild, who finished three lengths clear of Spanish Chestnut as the
narrow 7-2 second choice. Place was good for $3.40 and $2.60, and Spanish
Chestnut, who was also off at 7-2, gave back $2.60. The $1 trifecta (6-5-4) totaled
$8.30.
Next across the wire were Go Coyote Joe (Vicar) and Juliesugardaddy (Unusual
Heat). Snack (Afternoon Deelites) took a bad step and was eased nearing the far
turn. He was vanned off the track and taken back to the barn, but his condition
at press time was not known.
Following fractions of :23 2/5, :46 4/5, 1:10 4/5 and 1:35 4/5, Declan's Moon
finished 1 1/16 miles over the fast track in 1:42 2/5.
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Bred in Maryland by Brice Ridgely, Declan's Moon was purchased for $125,000
as a yearling at the 2003 Fasig-Tipton Maryland September sale. The dark bay is
the second foal out of the Grade 2-placed Vee Vee Star (Norquestor) and has a
two-year-old half-brother named Dave's Jet (Unbridled's Jet) and a yearling
half-brother named Ron's Partner (Partner's Hero).
Declan's Moon captured the Del Mar Futurity (G2) in his second career start and
then won the Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) before rounding out his juvenile campaign
with a one-length win in the Hollywood Futurity (G1).
"He feels different now. He's getting better," Espinoza said. "Each race he's
getting better. And I was really pleased with the way he ran today with the time
off he had. He was unbelievable."
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