Back at her preferred distance, Phil D'Amato's Irish-bred Going Global was nothing short of brilliant in defending her title in Saturday's $200,000 Goldikova Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita by 1 ½ lengths.
In what figures to be her career finale, the diminutive 4-year-old Mehmas filly got one mile on turf in 1:33.85 under Umberto Rispoli.
A restrained third, about 2 ½ lengths off her pacesetting stablemate Burgoo Alley around the first turn, Going Global got on terms with the early leader at the top of the lane and burst clear for her ninth career stakes win—eight of which have come in graded company.
Although second to Avenue de France, who was off the board today, in the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on turf Sept. 10 at Del Mar, Going Global was bet down to 1-5 favoritism in a field of six fillies and mares today and paid $2.60.
One for four in Ireland, Going Global made her 13th stateside start today with D'Amato and registered her sixth win from seven tries over the Santa Anita turf. She won last year's Goldikova by 1 1/2 lengths at Del Mar.
Ticketed for Keeneland's Fasig-Tipton “Night of the Stars” Sale on Nov. 6, Going Global, who is owned by CYBT, Michael Dubb, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig, and Ray Pagano, picked up $120,000 for the Goldikova win, increasing her earnings to $1,137,292 from an overall mark of 10-2-1 from 17 starts.
Next to last, about six lengths off the lead heading into the far turn, England's Rose rallied well through the lane under Victor Espinoza to finish 3 ½ lengths better than longshot Karakatsie for second money.
Close early, Karakatsie outfinished Burgoo Alley for third by a neck with Joe Bravo up.
Going Global, who is out of the Invasor mare Wrood, is campaigned by CYBT, Michael Dubb, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig, and Ray Pagano.
Fractions on the race were :23.69, :47.57, 1:10.80, and 1:22.26.
GOLDIKOVA STAKES (G3) QUOTES
JOCKEY QUOTES
UMBERTO RISPOLI, GOING GLOBAL, WINNER: “I was on the right horse. She is very easy to ride. Once I hit the turn to go home, I just pressed the button and she did the rest. She can go forever, and it's a good way to go out. It's always sad to see a horse like her go. I feel so privileged and grateful to have been on her for her final race.”
TRAINER QUOTES
PHIL D'AMATO, GOING GLOBAL, WINNER: “She's just the epitome of a champion in my heart. She's done so much for me. She's won many graded stakes in stylish fashion and she's probably the best grass filly I've ever trained.
“It means a lot and to send her out, potentially a winner, I mean that's what I thought we owed to her, and she did it in stylish fashion.
“She just has all the attributes, the heart, the will and an unbelievable turn of foot.”
MICHAEL NENTWIG, GOING GLOBAL, WINNER: “She is an amazing filly. She is a once in a lifetime horse. It is sad to see her go. This is tough (fighting back tears). She is so tough. She leaves next Thursday for the sale. If the right price is not met, then we will bring her back and decide about racing her again.”
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