A multiple Group 1 star in Argentina, Indy Point had likewise approached a
When the gate opened, Teaks North flew out to the early lead, but defending
|
On the far turn, as Teaks North turned up the heat on Slim Shadey through a
mile in 1:34 1/5, Indy Point commenced a good-looking move. Teaks North was
getting the better of Slim Shadey in upper stretch, but wider out, Indy Point
was in full flight. Overwhelming the pace factors in a few strides, the favorite
kicked 1 1/4 lengths clear and furnished a win payout of $6.
The late-running Vagabond Shoes got up for second, three-quarters of a length
ahead of Lucayan, who rallied furiously from far back to grab third. The
placegetters had just finished one-two in the August 24 Del Mar Handicap, giving
a solid look to the form.
Old Time Hockey kept on resolutely to deny Teaks North of fourth by a nose.
Next came Slim Shadey, Kettle Corn, Holding Glory, Irish Surf, Tale of a
Champion, Code of Conduct and Affrettando. Two were scratched after running in
different spots — Soi Phet, who was third in Saturday’s Awesome Again on the
main track, and Huntsville, who was 10th in Friday’s Eddie D. on the downhill
course.
“(Indy Point) trained well or I wouldn’t have run him (today),” Mandella
said. “He ran like did at Del Mar. It was terrific.
“He (Stevens) had a lot of horse — no sense being tricky,” the Hall of Fame
trainer observed about taking the overland route. “Just get the job done, and
Gary did a great job, and it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.”
Stevens also spoke of his terrific weekend, highlighted by his four-timer
“My son (T.C.) won a race last night at Churchill and that was really
“I didn’t think in my wildest dreams though, that I’d have the kind of horses
Indy Point sports a mark of 15-7-4-3, $659,061, reflecting high-class
|
Switched to turf for last October’s Jockey Club 130 Aniversario, Indy Point
notched another Group 1 tally. He was just as convincing back on dirt for the
November 10 Gran Premio Nacional (Argentine Derby), his third Group 1 laurel.
Following a runner-up effort in the December 15 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini on
turf, the South American “Arc,” he left his homeland for Southern California.
Indy Point races for breeder Felipe Lovisi, whose nom de course is Gus-May-Fer.
Racing Manager John Fulton was thrilled to see the four-year-old colt back at
his best.
“After what happened in Chicago, it’s great to be back on track,” Fulton
said. “We always had confidence in this horse. He’s never run a bad race. After
his debut in this country, we wanted to go (to the Arlington Million). He was
favored and he deserved to be, as we’ve seen today. But after what happened it
puts a little fear in your heart.
“The horse has trained fantastic since then, and when I got here I thought
‘this horse could not be better.’ It’s like they say in Argentina ‘Diez puntos!’
or ’10 points’ meaning you can’t get any better. Richard had him ready, Gary
knows this horse now, and we’re on our way.
“He’s eligible for Breeders’ Cup,” Fulton added. “I knew this horse was
training like the real deal, so I talked with Felipe and told him we have to
nominate before he runs, so he put the money on the table with good confidence
and faith in the horse and now it’s proven to have been a wise decision, so
he’ll go in the BC Turf.
“With the kind of race he ran today and the way he relaxed — he’s run
further than a mile and half. He won the Derby in Argentina that was a mile and
nine-sixteenths, so the distance will be no problem.”
Out of the Parade Marshal mare Red Point, Indy Point hails from a female line
that keeps churning out South American Group performers. His relatives include
Group 1 winners Galactos and Bat Recio, and most notably Refinado Tom, a former
Argentinean Horse of the Year who romped in the 1997 Native Diver at Hollywood
for none other than Mandella.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com