Nadal stays undefeated in Rebel
For most owners, having a superstar like Away Game (Snitzel) would be the highlight of their year but for the Mathiesens, she is just one of an exciting pair of horses they have running on both sides of the Pacific after Nadal’s (USA) (Blame {USA}) Grade 2 Rebel S. victory on Saturday over 1700 metres.
Co-owned by Mark Mathiesen, whose family also co-owns Away Game, Nadal was searching for his second Grade 2 victory at an empty Oaklawn Park on Saturday for trainer Bob Baffert. Nadal went straight to the lead out of the barriers and was pressured throughout his run. It looked as though Nadal may be in trouble in the final 400 metres but he showed a different dimension of his talent when fighting off Excession (USA) (Union Rags {USA}) to give Baffert his seventh victory in the race.
“We were hoping for that outcome,” Baffert said. “We knew he was a good horse, but until they go two turns and then the way it set up, the speed duel and all. Pretty impressive when they can just keep going like that. Only the really good ones can do that. I was just fortunate that you guys even ran the race, right now with the way things are. Crazy.”
Earning 50 points toward the Kentucky Derby, the US$700,000 (AU$1,132,500) 2-year-old purchase by Kerri Radcliffe is owned by George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman, and Mathiesen. He now sits third on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard as one of three in the top 20 for Baffert.
Ce Ce registers first Grade 1 win
Making her second appearance at the Grade 1 level, Ce Ce (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}) pulled the upset on Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita when winning the Grade 1 Beholder Mile over 1600 metres.
Taking her position at the back of the field just a few lengths off the lead, she raced three wide throughout the early running. Almost even with the leading Hard Not To Love (Can) (Hard Spun {USA}) in the far turn, Ce Ce stuck her head in front at the top of the stretch before romping away from her rival for a 3.25l victory.
“I’ve always thought she was really good,” said trainer Michael McCarthy. “Last spring, I thought she could beat any kind, unfortunately she got hurt after the Acorn, which made us take a step back and take some time off. She has come back and hasn’t missed a beat. I can’t thank Bo (Hirsh – her breeder/owner) enough for letting us take our time and pick our spots, I kind of wanted to wait for Keenland, but I’m glad we didn’t after today’s result. All the credit goes to Bo and Candy.”
A half-sister to Grade 2 winner and sire Papa Clem (USA) (Smart Strike {Can}), she is the third generation of her damline to win a Grade 1 after her dam Miss Houdini (USA) (Belong To Me {USA}) and granddam Magical Maiden (USA) (Lord Avie {USA}). Hailing from the family of Champion Good Magic (USA) (Curlin {USA}), she is by Elusive Quality (USA)– who shuttled to Australia from 2003 to 2008.
Field pass joins Derby trail in Jeff Ruby
After spending most of his career on the turf, Field Pass (USA) (Lemon Drop Kid {USA}) made the switch to synthetics a winning one in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks.
Running in front of empty stands, the 3-year-old colt raced just off the pace in the 1800 metre race and looked like he may be settling for third in midstretch. However, Field Pass showed the turn of foot that had served him well on turf when making a big run in the final 100 metres to the outside of the dueling leaders. He didn’t take the lead until the final strides of the race when he beat favourite Invader (USA) (War Front {USA}) by a neck.
The victory gives Field Pass his first 20 points toward the Kentucky Derby, though the colt isn’t nominated to the Triple Crown series and would have to pay the late nomination to be able to run in the Kentucky Derby.
