Cleopatra's Strike Tops D'Amato Exacta in John Henry
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Cleopatra's Strike (outside) defeats Acclimate in the John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita Park
The $201,053 John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park Sept. 28 marked only the third start on the West Coast for Cleopatra's Strike since moving to trainer Phil D'Amato's barn and owners Slam Dunk Racing and Michael Nentwig, and the 6-year-old gelding scored his first stakes win in the 1 1/4-mile event after dueling with stablemate Acclimate.
"I didn't know what his distance limitations may or may not be," D'Amato said of the winner. "He trained like a horse that could go a mile and a quarter. And Abel (Cedillo) rode him to perfection and got the job done on him.
"It was bittersweet because my other horse was doing those fractions. To see them both dueling in deep stretch, I'm proud of them both. You know, 'Cleopatra' proved best. I'm happy for Slam Dunk Racing."
The field of eight broke from the turf course before crossing over the dirt and continuing on the flat turf. Acclimate broke from the outside under Victor Espinoza and set opening fractions of :22.79, :46.05, and 1:09.75. Cedillo settled Cleopatra's Strike in fourth with the field spreading out behind him.
Cedillo turned his mount loose, and they drew even with Acclimate. The pacesetter battled back, but Cleopatra's Strike got up by a length with a final surge. At 9-1, the chestnut hit the wire in 1:58.22 on a firm course.
"I just wanted to keep him on the bit, and he was going to come home," Cedillo said. "I was thinking I got a perfect trip."
Acclimate held for second over favored United by three-quarters of a length. Oscar Dominguez, Ritzy A.P., Grecian Fire, Ya Gotta Wanna, and The Street Fighter completed the order of finish.
"To see Acclimate re-rally late after running those fast fractions, and both of these horses battling, I was so proud of them," D'Amato said. "It's unfortunate one has to beat another one, but that's the game. I'm just proud of 'Cleopatra.' He's had some tough beats since I've had him, and to see him break through here, it's very rewarding."
While the Nov. 2 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) is on the agenda for Acclimate after winning the Aug. 17 Del Mar Handicap Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T), a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race, the options are still open for Cleopatra's Strike.
"For sure for Acclimate," D'Amato said of the Breeders' Cup. "He paid his way with the 'Win and You're In.' With (Cleopatra's Strike), we have some options for him down at Del Mar. We'll see how he comes out of it, talk to the owners, and go from there."
Cleopatra's Strike was bred in Ontario by Sam-Son Farm and is out of the Sky Classic mare Cleopatra's Needle, who is a half sister to Eye of the Sphynx, champion 3-year-old filly and outstanding broodmare in Canada. Sam-Son campaigned the son of Smart Strike mostly in Canada for four seasons before he was transferred to his current connections.
The John Henry Turf Championship improved Cleopatra's Strike's record to 4-9-2 in 25 starts and pushed his earnings to $376,844.