United Stays Perfect in 2020 With Eddie Read Win
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Photo: Benoit Photo
United wins the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar
LNJ Foxwoods' United made quick work of his five competitors July 26 to win the $200,500 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) over 1 1/8 miles on the Del Mar turf. It was the third win in three starts this year for the 5-year-old gelding, who now boasts earnings of over $1.2 million.
Trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Flavien Prat, United broke just shy of the lead and pressed the early pace behind Neptune's Storm, who sprang to the front to take command by a length. Running on the rail, Neptune's Storm set fractions of :23.88, :47.84, and 1:11.68 for the first six furlongs.
With United to his outside, Neptune's Storm fought to keep the lead exiting the turn and entering the top of the stretch. United and Prat forged ahead and cut the margin to a head in the stretch.
Prat urged his mount forward with both hands toward the wire, and the pair dug deep in the final yards. Neptune's Storm was unable to turn back the late challenge from United and faded in the final yards to the wire. A fast-moving Sharp Samurai stormed home three wide around the final turn and was able to get up to challenge United late but could not find enough momentum to overtake the winner.
United finished a half-length in front of Sharp Samurai. The final time was 1:46.71 on turf rated firm.
Neptune's Storm took third, a half-length behind Sharp Samurai. Bowies Hero, Originaire, and Cleopatra's Strike completed the order of finish.
A son of the late Giant's Causeway, United won the Feb. 1 San Marcos Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. He followed that victory with a thrilling nose win May 23 in the Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) at the Southern California track.
Bred in Kentucky by Rosemont Farm, United is the second graded stakes winner out of the Pulling Punches mare Indy Punch, who also produced 2018 Philip H. Iselin Stakes (G3) winner Harlan Punch (by Harlan's Holiday).
United was purchased for $300,000 by Solis/Litt from the consignment of Four Star Sales to The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale. He has a 6-3-1 record from 14 starts and earnings of $1,253,549.