El Kabeir Much the Best in Jerome Stakes
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By Jerry Bossert
Despite bobbling at the start and racing wide on the first turn, favored El Kabeir posted an impressive 4 3/4-length victory in the $200,000 Jerome Stakes (gr. III) Jan. 3 from rainy Aqueduct Racetrack .
With 10 points for the win in the one mile, 70-yard Jerome, Zayat Stables' El Kabeir moved into first place among potential starters for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 2.
"It's a long way away, but as long as he stays healthy, we have a runner here," said winning trainer John Terranova. "Let's hope we continue on this path."
Sent off as the 7-5 pick in the field of eight 3-year-olds, El Kabeir bobbled at the start and was caught three to four wide the entire clubhouse turn under jockey C.C. Lopez. Second choice Ostrolenka set the pace for six furlongs, carving fractions of :23.79, :48.47, and 1:13.75, before Nasa took a brief advantage at the top of the stretch.
On the far turn, Lopez asked the gray Scat Daddy colt, and El Kabeir responded, rallying from third to grab a commanding lead in the lane. El Kabeir led by 2 1/2 lengths midstretch before crossing the wire in 1:44.69 over an inner track that was labeled good.
"He tried to beat the gate and stumbled a little bit leaving there, but I gathered him up," Lopez said. "I never panicked. I was riding the best horse in the race. I just bided my time, and when I was ready, I pushed the accelerator and he went. I just stayed outside of trouble. That's what you're supposed to do on the best horse—you don't get in any more trouble than you have to. He ran away from them."
The victory gives El Kabeir 21 points toward a start in the Kentucky Derby. Runner-up Nasa earned four points for finishing second, General Bellamy earned two points for his third-place finish, while Ackeret earned one point for finishing fourth.
In his last start Nov. 29, El Kabeir also earned 10 points for taking the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs.
"That's the whole key with these young, fast 3-year-olds, is if they're going to be able to relax enough to stretch out and carry it," Terranova said. "He's certainly bred to, and he trains like he should. We'll see. Hopefully, he'll keep progressing. He's gotten bigger and more filled out since the Kentucky race. He's eating like there's no tomorrow. He's thriving off running."
El Kabeir was bred in Florida by Rustlewood Farm out of the dam Great Venue, by Unbridled's Song. He was purchased for $250,000 by EQB Inc., on behalf of Zayat Stables out of the Summerfield (Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck) consignment at the 2013 OBS August yearling sale.
"Obviously we'll discuss it with the Zayat family, see what everyone feels is best and try to make the best call where to race," Terranova said. "It may be the Withers (gr. III) back here (Feb. 7) or maybe we'll skip it and go to the Gotham (gr. III), maybe we'll go out of town, but I have no problems staying here. I love having horses here in New York. He's thriving and he's got a great foundation under him now."
El Kabeir, now 3-1-1 with $388,892 in earnings, returned $4.90 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.60 to show as the 122-pound highweight. Nasa, 7 3/4 lengths clear in second, paid $4.60 to place and $4.20 to show. General Bellamy returned $6 to show.
Pacesetter Ostrolenka weakened to fifth and was followed by Mini Cosmo, Now We Are Free, and Royal Burgh. Tencendur was scratched.