Gregorian Chant Rallies to Take San Simeon
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Gregorian Chant (outside) wins the San Simeon Stakes over Sombeyay at Santa Anita Park
Long regarded as a two-turn horse on grass, Gregorian Chant has found a home sprinting on turf at Santa Anita Park.
The Phil D'Amato-trained 5-year-old rallied from last to take the $100,500 San Simeon Stakes (G3T) March 13 by a neck—his second consecutive turf stakes win at six furlongs.
Unhurried early from post 2 by jockey Juan Hernandez, Gregorian Chant ($9.80) raced about four lengths off the lead while a joint fifth heading to the far turn, as heavily favored Jolie Olimpica showed the way. Hernandez wheeled him four-deep turning for home and the gelded son of Gregorian outran Sombeyay to complete six furlongs on good turf in 1:08.79.
"He's a really cool horse. He loves to run at the end," Hernandez said.
Sombeyay finished 2 1/2 lengths in front of Jolie Olimpica to complete the trifecta.
Bred in Great Britain by Clarendon Farm out of the Fasliyev mare Tabrina, Gregorian Chant made one start in Ireland, a maiden win at Dundalk, late in his 2-year-old year before moving to Southern California. He holds a 5-0-2 record from 14 starts and has earned $225,013.
"It took us a while to figure out what he wanted to do," said D'Amato. "This horse has found his home sprinting, no question. …He's matured a lot and we will definitely keep him short."