Going Global Scores in Goldikova
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Going Global captures the Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar
Going Global turned in a game performance Nov. 6 to win the Goldikova Stakes Presented by PNC (G2T), the final undercard race prior to the Breeders' Cup slate at Del Mar. The 3-year-old filly by Mehmas is owned by CYBT, Michael Dubb, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig, and Ray Pagano. She was bred in Ireland by Nicky Hartery.
Going Global raced in fifth early, with favorite Princess Grace setting the early fractions of :23.22, :47.55, and 1:11.34 in the one-mile turf race. With a sixteenth to go, Going Global surged to the lead to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Zofelle with Princess Grace a half-length back in third. Ridden by Flavien Prat, the final time for the mile on a firm turf course was 1:34.57.
After her win in the Goldikova the D'Amato's trainee moved her lifetime race record to 11-7-1-0 with earnings of $648,792.
The partnership's decision to buy her and race in the U.S. has proved savvy. Majority owner Nentwig was grateful in the winner's circle following his filly's sixth win in her seven starts under their ownership.
"A couple of agents and friends of mine—Michael Donohoe and Niall Dalton—are the ones that presented the horse to us via (trainer) Phil D'Amato," explained Nentwig. "We took a look at her races—she had just broke her maiden after three starts. It wasn't an amazing race, but it looked like she wanted to go on grass and some more distance. We decided to take a shot with her and brought her to Phil. Ever since we've had her here, Phil has told us she would be a stakes horse all along. I give all the credit to Phil D'Amato, and his team, and the exercise riders, and everybody that puts in the time so we can be here on days like this.
Going Global is led to the winner's circle after the Goldikova
"It's the pinnacle," said Nentwig. "Today is the Super Bowl of horse racing. This is why we're in the game. I've got good partners. None of us are super-wealthy guys—we're all working guys, maybe with the exception of one. There's nothing better than this for us. I'm so happy for everyone involved. What a hell of a day."
The win sustained Going Global's dominant 3-year-old campaign. She won her U.S. and 3-year-old debut in the Feb. 14 Sweet Life Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. The filly followed that performance with wins in the March 6 China Doll Stakes, April 3 Providencia Stakes (G3T), and May 22 Honeymoon Stakes (G3T), all at Santa Anita. Madone (Vancouver ) snapped Going Global's win streak in the July 24 San Clemente Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar, beating her by a half-length. The filly got redemption next out, winning the Del Mar Oaks (G1T), her latest start coming into Saturday.
Going Global is out of the Invasor mare Wrood. Going Global is the second of five foals out of the mare. She is a half sister to group 3-placed Finans Bay and to stakes-placed Mitbaahy. The mare has a U S Navy Flag yearling filly and foaled a Saxon Warrior filly this year.