Sentiero Italia Impresses in Sands Point
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Godolphin Racing's Sentiero Italia turned in her second straight standout performance Sept. 12 to claim the $500,000 Sands Point Stakes (gr. II) at Belmont Park, and capped a five-win day for jockey Joel Rosario in the process.
Nearly a month after winning the Maker's Mark Lake Placid Stakes (gr. IIT) at Saratoga Race Course, the 3-year-old Medaglia d'Oro filly sat in second behind Cara Marie through fractions of :24.66, :49.01, and 1:13.53 through six furlongs, took the lead late in the final turn and pulled away to win by 3 3/4 lengths. European import Blond Me closed to finish second in her first U.S. start, a neck ahead of Lake Placid runner-up Miss Temple City.
"I ended up on the lead and took it from there. She was very comfortable," Rosario said. "She was galloping along. She's honest. She gives it when you ask her, she just keeps going. I was happy I was a little closer, because last time it took just a little bit of time to get her into the race and then she just runs all day."
Sent off as the 8-5 favorite for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, Sentiero Italia hit a mile in 1:37.08 and finished off the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.83 on good turf.
"She's a really nice filly and Joel did a great job with her (today)," McLaughlin said. "I didn't expect her to be that close, but (Rosario) made a good decision and was just going easy. I was surprised to see her that close, but I was happy turning for home."
Tapitry finished an even fourth, followed by Osaila, Mrs McDougal, Iromea, Cara Marie, Malabar, and Marabea, to complete the order of finish. Her Emmynency and Pangburn (main track only) were scratched.
Bred in Kentucky by Darley, out of the Cadeaux Genereaux mare Golden Way, Sentiero Italia now has a 4-0-0 record from six starts with earnings of $621,100.
"She just continues to impress," said Goldolphin racing manager Jimmy Bell. "(She's) so professional and she just gives everybody so much confidence. I think she's still climbing the ladder in getting better. As much as her performances have impressed us, she's very mentally focused and very strong. We love her mental outlook. She's a lamb around the barn, but she's all business at the track."