Antonio Fresu, who has been a top jockey at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai in recent years, rode his first winner in North America Saturday at Santa Anita.
In the seventh race, a $20,000 maiden claimer going six furlongs on dirt, Fresu won with 14-1 longshot Trusty Rusty for trainer Doug O'Neill. After breaking a step slow, Trusty Rusty steadily made-up ground down to be second behind only the pacesetting favorite, O'Neill stablemate Bluegrass Go Go. From there, the race quickly turned into a rout. Fresu and Trusty Rusty powered through the stretch to extend their advantage and eventually win by seven lengths.
“It was great to get my first win at Santa Anita,” Fresu said Sunday morning. “I love it here. This place is beautiful.”
A 31-year-old native of the Italian island Sardinia, Fresu arrived in Southern California last Monday and had his first three rides on Friday. He is represented locally by agent Tom Knust. Fresu made the move to Santa Anita at the recommendation of O'Neill and his top assistant, Leandro Mora. O'Neill and Mora became acquainted with Fresu's work when they had a stable at Meydan the past several winters.
“Antonio rode races and worked horses for them in Dubai,” Knust said. “They both thought he had a lot of talent and could do really well here.”
Typically, Fresu rides in Italy after the Meydan meet. But he has no plans to leave Santa Anita any time soon.
“I only bought a one-way ticket,” he noted.
The post ‘I Only Bought A One-Way Ticket’: Former Meydan Jockey Fresu Scores First North American Win appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
