Tom’s d’Etat Makes the Grade in Fayette Stakes

Patience proved essential for G M B Racing's Tom's d'Etat.

Trainer Al Stall Jr. said the 6-year-old son of Smart Strike has had a graded stakes-winning effort in him from day one, and connections were rewarded Oct. 26 at Keeneland when Tom's d'Etat closed the fall meet's stakes schedule with a clear victory in the $200,000 Hagyard Fayette Stakes (G2).

"Unfortunately, it took six years to get him there, but we persevered," Stall said. "The Bensons (of G M B Racing) have been very patient over the years. Whatever little nick he had, we rehabbed him and brought him back and just took our time. We've never, ever put the slightest bit of pressure on him. He's always come to us, so we've been rewarded. That's how this game works every so often."

Tom's d'Etat, winner of the Alydar Stakes at Saratoga Race Course two starts back, was the 3-2 favorite in the Fayette. Joel Rosario was in the irons as the bay horse broke from post 3 and sat off a brisk pace set by Mr Freeze in the slop. Mr Freeze, winner of the Ack Ack Stakes (G3) last out, posted fractions of :23.53 and :47.81. Tom's d'Etat was a length behind a half-mile through.

"He broke sharp, and I sent him to the lead early," Rosario said of his mount. "He can just sit there, and when you ask him, he will keep going."

By the time three-quarters went in 1:12, Tom's d'Etat had his head in front and continued to eat up the track. He opened on the field, cruising to a 4 1/4-length score as he finished 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.17.

"He's at the top of his form," Stall said. "That was probably the best number he's ever run in his life."

Video: Hagyard Fayette S. (G2)

Mr Freeze stayed on for second, 3 1/4 lengths ahead of third-place Bal Harbour, who finished another 3 1/4 lengths ahead of Own Agenda in fourth. Core Beliefs, Tenfold, Mocito Rojo, The Great Day, and Everfast completed the order of finish.

Tom's d'Etat took his shot at grade 1 company twice before, finishing fourth in the Woodward Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) in his previous start, and will likely take another stab at the top level in his next outing. Stall has the Nov. 29 Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) at Churchill Downs penciled in.

SF Bloodstock bred the horse in Kentucky out of the stakes-winning Giant's Causeway mare Julia Tuttle, whose dam, Candy Cane, is a full sister to grade 1 winner and top 10 stallion Candy Ride . Julia Tuttle foaled a Connect  filly in February and was reported bred back to Nyquist .

Tom's d'Etat was purchased by G M B Racing for $330,000 from Hunter Valley Farm's consignment at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. From 15 starts, he's racked up an 8-2-1 record and $886,892 in earnings.