KatieRich Stables’ crossbreed American apple stunned 10 of her opponents 47-1 with a well-timed win to help coach Daniel Leitch land his first bet on a $150,000 Matron Stakes (G3T) match America on October 8 in Belmont at the Big A fall meeting.
A 2-year-old daughter of American pharoah American Apple got its first game out against the winners after scoring a final lead in the first special weight class match on September 14, sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs at Kentucky Downs. There, she came in third and launched a run down the bend to claim victory on the rope. She put on a similar performance in Matron under the patient control of Eric Cancel to rally from 1/2 length to speed and secure a neck win before a late finish. Redifined .
Leitch, who is based in Keeneland. “We took her to the track on Friday, and she feels very good. Looks like she’s been shipping well and we think she’s going for a big run today. She has been eating well and doing everything from the moment we got here. “
American Apple and Her Relationships in Winner’s Circle
Apple of America, far from 3rd place, sits comfortably when Fleetfooted dashed to the lead over the quarter-mile opening in: 22.55 on fine grass. Sweet melody holds second place while Redifined waits for her cue from racer Javier Castellano in ninth.
Approaching the turn, American Apple made her bid on Fleetfooted and Sweet Harmony’s duel while favorite after time Danse Macabre Move out onto a path along the tracks to try and find race halls around the American Apple. After half a mile at:46.06, American Apple drifted a little off the rails and defeated Sweet Harmony, leaving Danse Macabre behind to fight for the titles. With a stubbornly tired Fleetfoot and American Apple taking the lead midway through, the angry Redifined closed in mid-race at the urging of Castellano’s right hand, but couldn’t keep up with the American Apple game.
American Apple ($97) ran six feathers on a solid turf in 1:09.59.
It’s another 1/2 length back to Danse Macabre in third place with Dontlookbackatall Super perfect rounding.
Larry Doyle of KatieRich Stables says the risks of running America’s Apple in a pinch have paid off.
“We didn’t think we had (one shot that far), but we think there were seven speed horses in there,” Doyle said. “We know what we’ve got and it’s going to be a tough race. We’re only here because there’s nowhere else to run. If there’s an easier location, that’s where we’ve come. “
Doyle added that Apple of America could contest the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint (G1T) on November 4 in Keeneland, but could also consider a $120,000 Stewart Manor Share on November 5 at Aqueduct race track.
American Apple, produced from the clever mare Miss Mary Apples, is half-sister to three stake winners, including millionaires, and quadruple-rated shares have provided for Lady Apple.
Video: Matron S. (G3T)
This press release has been edited for content and style by the BloodHorse Staff.
