Since arriving in the US early last year, the King of Gosford has steadily risen in its ranks. His patience through connection paid off on May 26th as his powerful slow move earned him a victory at the age of four in the Grade 1 $302,000 Shoemaker Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
It was trainer Fild Damato’s ultimate goal since Gosford’s King returned from a four-month layoff and won the second place finish behind Cabo Spirit on April 20th in a Grade 3 American stake with Jockey Flavian Platt.
“I think Flavien learned something a bit about his moves after losing last time,” Damato told Santa Anita’s Michelle Yu in the winner’s circle. “He knew, so I knew I was going to go into that last race, that was an adjustment to this and it worked.”
The Goliard quickly stepped forward, quickly setting a cross section of 22.92 and:45.68, and with the exception of Cabo’s spirit, Platt was perfect as the King of Gosford settled behind the field.
Pratt began moving as he entered a far turn and jumped at the favourable, terrifying man. Cabo’s spirit ran on the furlong and embraced the challenge of Mi Hermano Ramon.
Meanwhile, the King of Gosford picked up steam midway through the course, thundering the lead pair in time to beat their heads. Mi Hermano Ramon improved the Cabo spirit with his nose due to his runner-up position with a close three-way finish. The terrifying man was fourth.
The King of Gosford stopped the watch at 1:33.52 and paid $10.80 to win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrdvlnr-r0
He dominated the best bets in a grade 1 $300,000 game, earning a 2nd year 3/4th length, first year win and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr at Santa Anita Park.
Sent in a 2.10-1 conflict, smashing your best sharply and arrived at the lead under Irad Ortiz Jr. Mrs. Claypool finished second, while Liguria settled in third.
It’s your best rebound from the disappointing 8th place finish at the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes held in Keeneland on April 12th. Previously, she had won a Grade 2 Taa Pegasus World Cup mare and a Mare Turf invitation bet. It’s 6-3-2 from the start of 20th.
“Last time, the ground was too soft. Today, she wanted more of this ground. It’s like a solid grass in Gulfstream. I let her relax and make her happy. I still had something in the tank when I headed home.”
Let’s get your best payment $6.20 to win. – Olivia Newman
Trainers Saffie Joseph Jr. and Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. had an incredible time at Santa Anita Park on May 26th.
SkippylongStocking was off to his second start with Santa Anita after finishing third in the 2023 Big Ass Fans Breaders ‘Cup Dirt Mile. He once again demonstrated that no matter what truck Joseph ships him, he is ready to give it all. His career bankroll is currently over $3.6 million.
He sets the pace frequently, but Ortiz calmed down his 4-5 favorite midpack at the 1 1/4 mile gold cup Seven Horsefield. Ortiz asked SkippylongStocking to start moving on his second turn, and the horse delivered a normal, professional response. SkippylongStocking won by three-quarters of the length and stopped the timer at 2:01.64. Midnight Mammoth finished second. It was the third major. – Tracy Ganz
