San Pasqual Winner Newgrange Pointed Toward Dubai

Newgrange  was doing well the morning after successfully defending his title in the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) Jan. 27 and becoming racing's newest millionaire. 

"He came out of the race in great shape," said winning trainer Phil D'Amato, who collected his fifth stakes win at the Classic Meet to lead all trainers. 

Ridden for the first time Saturday by Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza, Newgrange broke on top and was never headed to score by a length as the 2-1 second choice. Newgate , the 8-5 favorite for Bob Baffert, stalked Newgrange throughout the 1 1/8-mile dirt test but could not get to the winner. 

D'Amato offered praise to both his horse and rider for the performance. Espinoza rationed Newgrange through fractions of :23.27, :47.55, and 1:12.10 before crossing the wire in 1:49.26. 

A trip to the Middle East could be in the near future for Newgrange. D'Amato said it's possible they take a shot in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) at 1 1/4 miles March 30 at Meydan Racecourse.

"Judging by what the owners were saying yesterday, I think that's what they are leaning towards," D'Amato said. "But it's still a long way between now and the end of March."

Newgrange is a 5-year-old Violence   full horse owned by David Bernsen, Little Red Feather Racing and Rockingham Ranch. With the fifth graded stakes win of his career, he upped his record to 7-0-4 in 13 starts with $1,007,634 in earnings.