Comfortable throughout, Phil D'Amato's Masteroffoxhounds took five rivals on a merry chase in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., prevailing by a neck under Umberto Rispoli while getting a mile and one quarter on turf in 1:59.79.
Named for racing's Hall of Fame superstar gelding who upon his retirement at age nine in 1984 was Thoroughbred racing's all-time leading money earner with more than $6.5 million, the John Henry trophy was presented by his Hall of Fame conditioner, 90-year-old Ron McAnally.
Breaking from post position four, Masteroffoxhounds immediately settled into a comfortable gallop under Rispoli while in hand through splits of 24.51, 48.88, 1:13.74 and 1:37 flat. Masteroffoxhounds opened up 2 ½ lengths on longshot Breakpoint a quarter mile out and held off the late charge of Dicey Mo Chara and Gold Phoenix on the money to give D'Amato his third John Henry win.
Winless in his last nine starts, eight of them graded stakes, Masteroffoxhounds was off as the 2-1 second choice and paid $6.20, $3.60 and $2.10.
Owned by Gary Hartunian's Rockingham Ranch, Masteroffoxhounds notched his second graded stakes victory and his fourth overall from 19 starts. A 5-year-old horse by War Front out of Galileo mare Outstanding, Masteroffoxhounds picked up $120,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $496,042.
Third early, English-bred Dicey Mo Chara, off at 6-1 with Ryan Curatolo, finished a head in front of 6-5 favorite Gold Phoenix and paid $5.60 and $2.40.
Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Gold Phoenix put in a good late bid but never threatened his front-running stable mate to return $2.10 to show.
JOCKEY QUOTES
I know that he likes to lead, and he was relaxed sitting upfront. It was a nice trip. He was relaxed and before he turned for home, we kicked out and he hung on until the wire. He was almost caught, so I was wishing that the wire was coming soon, and that's what happened. He was doing phenomenal. The plan worked out beautifully.”
“I'm glad the owner gave me this opportunity. Phil (D'Amato) always gives me good support and we keep going. The day is not over yet.”
TRAINER QUOTES
PHIL D'AMATO, MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS, WINNER: “Masteroffoxhounds has been knocking on the door to a victory. We have been trying to find the right distance for him and I think we have found it today. Gold Phoenix ran well. He got knocked around early in the race, but I think this race sets him up fine for the Breeders Cup.”
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