Going to Vegas wins the G1 Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita Park.
Like a on line casino sending gamblers residence empty handed, Going to Vegas refused to let the livid rush of Luck prevail on Saturday within the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Going to Vegas, a 4-year-old Goldencents filly bought out early within the 1 1/4-mile turf race, and rapidly bought to the rail underneath jockey Umberto Rispoli, and she or he crossed over from the downhill course to the principle oval forward of Dogtag on the within and longshot Neige Blanche on her outdoors hip.
Going to Vegas held a cushty 1 1/2-length lead over Neige Blanche after a gap quarter-mile in :24.35 seconds, and she or he maintained that margin as the sector went previous the end for the primary time. The highest three positions went unchanged as they headed into the backstretch, with Rispoli conserving Going to Vegas underneath mild restraint.
The race began to percolate after the three-quarters mark in 1:13.49, with jockey Flavien Prat beginning to rouse Luck from the center of the sector. Luck bought as much as third place behind Going to Vegas and Neige Blanche heading into the ultimate flip, and she or he was in second after a mile in 1:36.35.
Rispoli began urging Going to Vegas within the straightaway with a right-handed crop, as they labored to carry off a pair of LNJ Foxwoods-owned runners in ground-saving Dogtag and outside-moving Luck.
Luck was gaining floor on Going to Vegas because the wire approached, however she ran out of time and actual property, ending a head behind the winner. Stablemate Dogtag carried on for third.
Going to Vegas stopped the clock in 1:58.84 over a quick essential monitor. She paid $4.20 because the post-time favourite.
Richard Baltas trains Going to Vegas for house owners Abbondanza Racing, Medallion Racing, and MyRacehorse. Saturday’s victory improved the filly’s file to seven wins in 22 begins for earnings of $634,151.
Bred in Kentucky by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, Going to Vegas is out of the stakes-winning Johannesburg mare Laborious to Resist.
To view the Equibase chart, click on right here.
GRADE 1, $300,000, Rodeo Drive Quotes, Courtesy Santa Anita Park Press Workplace
UMBERTO RISPOLI, GOING TO VEGAS, WINNER: “When it’s a Grade 1, you need to give it your all regardless of how many individuals there are ready for you once you come again, however that is nice. I might hear folks screaming and applauding. I used to be busy as a result of I might really feel Flavien was coming. I knew he was coming quick, however we dealt with fairly effectively, I am fairly joyful that they determined to get me again on the filly. I credit score the house owners and Richard as effectively. She’s a Grade 1 winner now, the subsequent step is a Breeders’ Cup.”
RICHARD BALTAS, GOING TO VEGAS, WINNER: “I am thrilled with each horse’s performances. Going to Vegas has the tactical pace and loves going a mile and 1 / 4 and she or he confirmed it. It was an excellent journey by (Umberto). My different horse, Luck, actually moved up in school. I used to be actually joyful together with her efficiency, she actually improved in a Grade 1, I am trying ahead to the long run together with her. We’ll see how the 2 horses come out of the race tomorrow, however I really feel that each horses are heading to the Breeders’ Cup.”
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