|
Kaigun takes outside path to victory in Seabiscuit
 |
| Kaigun spearheaded a clean sweep for BC Mile alumni
(Benoit Photo) |
Kaigun collared 3-2 favorite Tom's Tribute and held off the troubled Za
Approval in Friday's Grade 2, $250,750
Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar, in a finish dominated by Breeders' Cup Mile
veterans. Most recently 10th in the November 1 renewal of the Mile, Kaigun was
turning the tables on Tom's Tribute, who had been seventh that day. Za Approval
was famously runner-up in the 2013 Mile.
Trained by Mark Casse for Quintessential Racing Florida, Horse'n Around
Racing Stable and Gary Barber, Kaigun left the gate as the 7-2 second choice.
New rider Corey Nakatani had the chestnut gelding settled off the contested
early pace, as Skyring and Pure Tactics dueled through splits of :23 2/5, :47
2/5 and 1:11 3/5 on the firm course. The stalking Tom's Tribute commenced his
bid turning for home and struck the front, while the rail-skimming Za Approval
had to wait for room.
Kaigun had no such problems taking the overland route and outkicked Tom's
Tribute in deep stretch. Za Approval rallied once in the clear on the inside,
but Kaigun maintained a three-quarter length advantage at the wire. By stopping
the clock in 1:41 1/5 for 1 1/16 miles, he earned his first U.S. graded win. |
Another two lengths back in fourth came Mr. Commons, the fifth-place finisher
in the 2011-12 editions of the Breeders' Cup Mile, completing the sweep of
alumni of that race. Rounding out the order of finish were Big Bane Theory, Pure
Tactics, Skyring and Lil Bit O'Fun. Boozer was scratched, along with Avanzare,
who was cross-entered to Saturday's Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap.
Kaigun paid $9 to win and advanced his record to 18-5-4-1, $964,220. Third in
last year's Commonwealth Turf as a sophomore, the son of Northern Afleet has had
a productive 2014. He earned his first stakes coup in the Play the King at
Woodbine and took runner-up honors in three Grade 1s -- the Maker's 46 Mile (to
Wise Dan), Manhattan and Woodbine Mile.
Bred by William Sorokolit Racing Stable in Ontario, Kaigun sold for $37,329
as a yearling at Ontario September. He was offered as a two-year-old in training
at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic in May 2012, but RNA'd for $34,000. He was produced by
the Kris S. mare Cruising Kris, making him a half-brother to Canadian stakes
scorer Cruising Executive.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
Send this article to a friend
| 
