Wound Tight Pulls Clear in Unusual Heat Turf Classic
Image:
Description:
Photo: Benoit Photo
Wound Tight wins the Unusual Heat Turf Classic at Santa Anita Park
In what was a virtual walk in the park, Matt Nelson's homebred Wound Tight was in complete control throughout the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank and waltzed to a front-running 3 1/2-length victory Jan. 18 at Santa Anita Park.
Ridden by Abel Cedillo and trained by Bob Hess Jr., the 5-year-old gelding by top sprinter Coil got 1 1/8 miles over firm turf in 1:48.24.
"This horse is very strong on the lead. There was no pace, so he was tough on the lead," Cedillo said. "He never got tired. We came back in front of the grandstand and he still wanted to run."
Wound Tight was a neck and a nose away from having won three straight races coming into Saturday. He came off of a nose win in a one-mile turf allowance at Del Mar Dec. 1 and was off at 3-1 in a field of eight older California-bred or -sired horses. He returned $8 for the win after setting fractions of :23.39, :48.62, 1:13, and 1:36.61.
"The race set up perfect. The horse likes to run on the front end," said Gerardo Morales, assistant to Hess. "I was a little concerned about going a mile and an eighth, that it was too far for him, but he definitely got the job done. I'm really happy with him. When I saw the fractions I said, 'We have a big chance,' and when they turned for home I knew it was all over."
Out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Bellsblade, Wound Tight registered his first ever stakes win and improved his overall mark to 4-2-2 from 10 starts. The winner's share of $110,000 improved his earnings to $266,340 for owner/breeder Matt Nelson.
"I thought it was going to be a little bit closer than that," Nelson said. "It's a long process and a win makes it all worthwhile.
"Bob must have given Abel some great advice because he rode him excellent."
Ward 'n Jerry, who was shuffled back while in tight quarters early at the rail, saved ground while next to last heading into the clubhouse turn. Full of run while a joint fourth five sixteenths from home, he proved second best on the day, finishing a half-length in front of longshot Cono.