Itsinthepost Returns to Winning Ways in Marathon Stakes
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Itsinthepost wins the Marathon Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Red Baron's Barn's Itsinthepost made short work of the 1 3/4-mile Marathon Stakes Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G2) Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park, battling past his rivals in deep stretch to take the $200,351 test by three-quarters of a length.
Breaking from the rail under Drayden Van Dyke, Itsinthepost rated towards the back of the field in fifth as Zestful took the lead and set fractions of :25.07, :50.80, and 1:17.03 through the first 1 1/2 mile. Zestful came under pressure from Itsonthepost on the far turn as Van Dyke angled the gelding off the rail before moving up to make a three-wide bid.
Itsinthepost drifted past Zestful and a fast-moving American Tattoo when urged by Van Dyke and took command by a half-length in mid stretch. Zestful fought back along the inside rail but did not have enough momentum to overtake Itsinthepost before the wire and finished second. The final time was 3:03.95.
American Tattoo held for third followed by Brave Nation and Street to Indy. Favored Campaign broke slow and gave chase early before drifting wide on the backstretch and dropping out of contention. Guided by Joel Rosario, Campaign was eased coming off the final turn and walked off after crossing the finish.
The Marathon was the first victory in four starts this year for Itsinthepost, who is trained by Jeff Mullins. The 7-year-old gelding entered off a sixth-place finish in his most recent effort in the Aug. 17 Del Mar Handicap Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2) at Del Mar. Itsinthepost last graced the winner's circle in May 2018, when he took the Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita.
A son of American Post, Itsinthepost was bred in France by Julien Leunes out of the Mozart mare Sakkara Star. He was purchased by Emerald Bloodstock in 2013 for US$6,656 from the consignment of Haras de la Cosniere to the Osarus Sales La Teste Yearling Sale.
Victory in the Marathon improved Itsinthepost's record to 11-8-6 from 41 starts with earnings of $1,384,253.