Arklow Sets Stakes Record in Hollywood Turf Cup
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Arklow wins the Hollywood Turf Cup at Del Mar
A ground-saving trip carried Arklow to a speedy victory in the $203,500 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2T) Nov. 27 at Del Mar.
The 6-year-old son of Arch set a stakes record when he finished the 1 1/2-mile test on a firm Jimmy Durante turf course in 2:26.31, missing the course record for the distance by just .12 seconds.
Shipped in from trainer Brad Cox's Kentucky base, Arklow came off a sixth in the Nov. 7 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Keeneland. One start prior, he won the Sept. 12 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes (G3T) at Kentucky Downs for owners Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger, and the Estate of Peter Coneway.
Arklow was sent off as the 9-5 choice in a 12-horse field with Joel Rosario in the irons, and tracked along the rail in fifth while 22-1 shot Acclimate showed the way through opening fractions of :24.51, :49.64, 1:14.55, and 1:38.78.
"He broke well and we got a good spot," Rosario said. "I stepped on the brakes a little bit because I was comfortable where we were. I saved ground with him, then moved up a little bit outside. I could tell we were going slow, so I felt OK being closer with him. He was running good."
Acclimate attempted to lead all the way home, but Rosario shifted Arklow out to take aim off the final turn, and the eventual winner responded with a surge that carried him to a half-length victory.
"When we turned for home, I knew he was a fighter and I knew he'd be tough to beat," Rosario said. "He finished strong. He's a good horse."
"It kind of worked out the way we had drawn it up," said Blake Cox, the trainer's son and assistant. "Joel was able to get a real good stalking position and then finish strong. What's next will be up to Jerry Crawford and Donegal Racing, but I wouldn't be surprised if the (Jan. 23) Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1T) is on the radar."
Laccario made a run but could not catch Arklow, while Say the Word rallied strongly but had to settle for third, another half-length back.
Acclimate held for fourth and was followed home by Red King, Oscar Dominguez, Ward 'n Jerry, Another Mystery, Proud Pedro, North County Guy, Gregorian Chant, and Tartini. Marckie's Water and Fivestar Lynch were scratched.
Arklow added the Hollywood Turf Cup to a résumé that includes the 2019 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1T), the 2018 Kentucky Turf Cup, and the 2017 American Turf Stakes Presented by Ram Trucks (G2T), improving his record to 8-7-2 from 31 starts with earnings of $2,666,116.
Bred in Kentucky by John Penn and Frank Penn out of the Empire Maker mare Unbridled Empire, Arklow was a $160,000 purchase by Donegal Racing from Penn Sales' consignment to the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is by far the most accomplished runner for his dam, who also produced the Blame colt Maurad, also a grade 2 winner on turf. The mare foaled a Gun Runner colt in 2019 and dropped a filly by Justify April 4. She was bred to Uncle Mo for 2021.