Kharafa Strong Winner of Ashley T. Cole

The 11th installment in the rivalry between New York-breds Lubash and Kharafa was staged in the Ashley T. Cole Stakes Sept. 20 at Belmont Park, where Kharafa easily got past his opponent in the stretch and went on victory.

 

Kharafa, a 6-year-old Kitalfa gelding, won by two lengths from Runaway Posse, who went widest of all into the lane from last and rallied strongly for second. Iron Power was two lengths back in third, and a half-length in front Lubash, who was fourth in the five-horse field. 

 

In their only previous meeting this year, Lubash prevailed by a length over Kharafa in the Kingston Stakes May 25 at Belmont, but Kharafa got the best of his foe Sunday.

 

The 3-2 favorite, Lubash, pressed pacesetter More Zen Tea from second throughout but lacked a closing kick in the final furlong.

 

Kharafa, who tracked in behind Runaway Posse, was mildly urged for his rally around the turn and willingly responded to lead before eighth pole, when Javier Castellano asked for more. He covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.13 on turf rated firm.

 

"The one thing about the horse, he needs to relax and stay covered up," Castellano said. "I think he's the kind of horse that, if you chase horses or go to the lead, he loses power. He'll lose his kick.

 

"Today really surprised me. There wasn't much speed in the race, and he missed the break, but he was so kind behind the horses. He was laid back, off the bridle, just followed the other horses in a nice, good rhythm. Turning for home, I just asked a little bit, pushed the button, and he just took off. He's amazing. To ask and see a horse respond like that is an advantage."

 

Kharafa, trained by Tim Hills for Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch, came in off a seventh-place finish in the Oceanport (gr. III) Au. 2 at Monmouth Park, in which he was checked hard around the first turn as the favorite. With Sunday's win ($6), his record improved to 11-8-4 from 30 career starts, including six stakes wins.

 

Kharafa was bred by High Meadow Farm out of the King of Kings mare Exquisite Cassie.