Winning Prize rolls in Arcadia

Winning Prize starred in this course-and-distance prep for the Kilroe Mile (Benoit Photos)

David Heerensperger and Jose Nelson’s Winning Prize blew by a
loose-on-the-lead Regally Ready and stormed clear in Saturday’s Grade 2,
$200,500
Arcadia Stakes at Santa Anita. Aside from earning his first North American
stakes win, the multiple Argentinean Group 1 hero advertised his claims for the
Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile over the same course and distance on March 8.

Defending Arcadia champion Suggestive Boy, who had been sidelined by injury
since taking last year’s Kilroe, ran fairly evenly in fifth in his comeback.
Despite the absence, he went off as the 5-2 favorite, slightly preferred to his
fellow Argentinean who was also 5-2.

Winning Prize looked ready to make an immediate impact on the turf division
last summer. In his debut for Neil Drysdale, the son of Pure Prize wired a Del
Mar optional claimer by four lengths in a sparkling 1:32 4/5 on firm ground.
Winning Prize then shipped to Keeneland to challenge Wise Dan in the October 5
Shadwell Turf Mile, but a sudden deluge forced the race onto the Polytrack.
Although Winning Prize ran creditably in fourth, five lengths behind upsetter
Silver Max, he didn’t show his customary speed. Winning Prize was happier back
on turf in the November 29 Citation Handicap at Hollywood, where he led early
and held on for a close, grudging third to Silentio and Summer Front on a good
course.

Winning Prize became the second straight Argentinean to win the Arcadia, following defending champ Suggestive Boy (partially seen on far left) (Benoit Photos)

Tom’s Tribute edged Regally Ready by a neck for runner-up honors. Unbridled’s
Note reported home another half-length away in fourth. Next came Suggestive Boy,
No Jet Lag and Procurement. Peace and Justice was an early withdrawal, while
Vagabond Shoes and Si Sage were likewise scratched.

Jockey Joe Talamo commented that Suggestive Boy would benefit from this
tightener.

“He just got a little tired today,” Talamo said. “He was coming off a long
layoff. I was very happy with my position. I was only a length off the winner
(early), so I was happy with that but the last part of the race they just
out-quickened him. So, he was just tired and I think it sets him up for his next
race.”

Winning Prize, who paid $7.40 to win, improved his scorecard to 12-7-1-1,
$400,840. An 11-length romper at second asking in his native Argentina, he
quickly added a pair of Group 1 events for juveniles, the Raul Y Raul E.
Chevalier and the Gran Criterium. Winning Prize was upset in his three-year-old
debut in the Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas, finishing second to Johnny Guitar. He
made an unsuccessful switch to dirt when seventh in the Gran Premio Polla de
Potrillos. Rebounding on his return to turf, Winning Prize captured his final
two outings in Argentina, and notably recorded his third Group 1 score in the
Joaquin S. de Anchorena. He made his winning U.S. debut off an eight-month
holiday last August.