Rockefeller in Command Throughout Nashua Stakes
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
Rockefeller wins the Nashua Stakes at Belmont Park
Rockefeller showed the front-running speed displayed in his debut win in August at Del Mar in his first appearance on the East Coast, widening his margin throughout in the $150,000 Nashua Stakes (G3) until he crossed the finish line 2 3/4 lengths in front Nov. 7 at Belmont Park.
The 2-year-old Medaglia d'Oro colt, fourth in the Oct. 1 American Pharoah Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park for trainer Bob Baffert, bested five rivals to earn his second win in three career starts. The winner of the American Pharoah, his stablemate Corniche , won the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) Nov. 5 at Del Mar.
Rockefeller was sent to front by Luis Saez in the Nashua, the final stakes of Belmont's 31-day fall meet, after breaking from the rail. He had his head in front of Speaking as he ran a quarter-mile in :23.02 and had a half-length advantage through a half in :46.75. Speaking then retreated and Midnight Worker , third early, was up into second a length behind Rockefeller, who posted six furlongs in 1:11.61.
Saez kept Rockefeller to task when straightened for home and his mount outkicked a rallying Cooke Creek as he powered to the wire. Rockefeller completed the mile distance in 1:36.66 on the fast track. He paid $3.60 on a $2 win bet as the favorite.
"I knew the other horses would break from there running, but we have a lot of speed, so Bob told me to break from there and send him and see if they can keep with us," said Saez, who rode Rockefeller for the first time. "That was the plan, to break from there running. He kept at it. He's a very talented horse. He's still learning but he has a lot of talent. I think he's going to be a nice horse. It was great to get the mount."
Cooke Creek finished 2 3/4 lengths clear of Judge Davis for runner-up status. Midnight Worker, Cairama , and Speaking completed the order of finish.
Rockefeller is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, and Robert Masterson. He was a $750,000 purchase by agent Donato Lanni out of Mill Ridge Sales' consignment to the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale and has earned $142,500 so far.
Colts Neck Stables bred Rockefeller in Kentucky out of the Speightstown mare Dance to Bristol , winner of the 2013 Ballerina Stakes (G1). The dam of two winners from as many starters, Dance to Bristol also has a yearling Candy Ride colt and a weanling Into Mischief filly.
Orglandes wins the Zagora Stakes at Belmont Park
Also on Belmont's Sunday card, favorite Orglandes edged Beautiful Lover by a neck to win the $150,000 Zagora Stakes for fillies and mares. She completed 1 1/2 miles on a firm turf course in 2:29.28. Pacesetter Candy Flower was third in the seven-horse field.
Chad Brown conditions the winner for Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Wonder Stables, and Michael Caruso. Irad Ortiz Jr. had the call on the 5-year-old French-bred daughter of Le Havre .
Video: Zagora S. (BT)