Gold Phoenix Preps for Breeders' Cup in John Henry

There aren't too many graded stakes races on the turf from the mile to 1 1/2-mile range in Southern California that Gold Phoenix  hasn't won yet, but the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) is one of them. 

Fresh off a record-breaking fourth straight victory in the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) Aug. 30, 7-year-old Gold Phoenix looks to secure one more prize in his arsenal before chasing international glory in the Breeders' Cup World Championships. If the gelding were to make the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Nov. 1, to which he already gained his free pass via the Del Mar Handicap, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series event, it would be his fourth appearance in the $5 million race. 

"He is the epitome of fine wine. He gets better with age," trainer Phil D'Amato said of Gold Phoenix after the Del Mar Handicap. "He’s got a big heart and intestinal fortitude, and Flavien (Prat) got every inch out of him."

With Flavien Prat, Gold Phoenix's pilot in the Del Mar, riding in New York Sept. 27, Umberto Rispoli has the mount at Santa Anita Park for the John Henry. Rispoli has ridden the son of Belardo  once before, when the pair was fourth in the Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) on Derby Day at Churchill Downs.

The $200,000 John Henry, contested at 1 1/4 miles over the downhill turf course, pits Gold Phoenix against familiar rival Stay Hot , who finished just a neck behind the gelding in the Del Mar Handicap's dramatic duel to the wire. 

Trained by Peter Eurton for Burns Racing, Exline-Border Racing, the Estate of Brereton C. Jones, and William Dan Hudock, the Del Mar was the first time Stay Hot had tried to stretch his speed beyond 1 1/8 miles. The 4-year-old Summer Front  colt, a five-time stakes winner, eyes his second graded score in the John Henry. Mike Smith will again partner Stay Hot, who gets 4 pounds from 126-pound high weight Gold Phoenix.

Apart from the top two, Cheyenne Stable's Mondego , fifth in the Del Mar Handicap, returns in an attempt to turn the tables against his rivals. The British-bred Lope de Vega   gelding was victorious two starts back in a 1 3/8-mile Del Mar turf allowance optional claiming contest.

Eddie D Stakes

The John Henry is one of three races held over Santa Anita's downhill turf course on a blockbuster Saturday card highlighted by the Goodwood Stakes (G1). The $200,000 Eddie D Stakes (G2T) and recently renamed John C. Harris Stakes (G3T) are also contested over the unique course, both races at the 6 1/2-furlong distance.

Without star turf sprinter Motorious  in the field, the Eddie D presents Reef Runner  with the ideal opportunity to avenge his heartbreaking loss to the former in the Aug. 30 Green Flash Handicap (G3T). Making his first trip out west for trainer David Fawkes and owners Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, the 4-year-old crossed the wire in front in the Green Flash only to be disqualified for interference at the start of the race. 

As of Sept. 24, it is unclear who will ride the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the Eddie Read, since his last-out jockey, Paco Lopez, was suspended six months by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Sept. 23. Lopez's suspension was set to begin Tuesday. 

C R K Stable's Beyond Brilliant , a fast-closing third in the Green Flash, and last year's Eddie D victor, First Peace , are among the live contenders in an evenly matched group. 

John c. Harris Stakes

Formerly known as the Unzip Me Stakes, Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong event for 3-year-old fillies honors the memory of the late breeder and owner, John C. Harris. The Harris Farms' founder, a steward of racing and breeding in California, died in July at the age of 81.

The John C. Harris Stakes drew a large field of 13 sophomore fillies in its inaugural running, led by the Bob Baffert-trained Casalu . Campaigned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, the $775,000 daughter of Caracaro   was successful over this trip and course in February when landing the Sweet Life Stakes. Stretched out to two turns in her next two outings, she was second to Thought Process  in the San Clemente Handicap (G2T) before failing to stay the 1 1/8 miles when eighth in the Aug. 16 Del Mar Oaks (G1T) in her most recent start. 

East Coast shipper Warming , from the Graham Motion barn, was made the tepid 7-2 favorite. The Global Campaign   filly also cuts back in trip after two disappointing efforts in graded stakes company this summer at Saratoga Race Course.