The promising 2-year-old dog of George Strawbridge Jr. joyful took a big step on October 7 on the opening day of KeenelandMeet the Fall where she won her first test in a tiered bet and secured a spot in the gates of the Breeders’ Cup for Toddlers (G1T) tournament on November 4 .
Daughter of freshman Ashford Stud Mendelssohn also became her first black category winner and first ranked bet winner after capturing the fashion almost perfectly with the $320,463 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes (G2T).
Delight broke out strong in the 1/16-mile race, her second start from the distance, and only briefly relinquished the lead when the first round ran out. Tracking along the tracks under the hands of coach Luis Saez, they regained the lead on the following rotation and never gave it up again. She led her 11 challengers through comfortable openings of :24.32, :49.61, and 1:14.73 on a solid course.
Enter G. Watts Humphrey Jr. Bling took the lead, but Delight sped up far ahead to win by five races. Town and Country Racing Knockyoursocksoff used a sharp finishing kick to lead Bling in second place. The last time was 1:44.14.
“The plan was to follow someone and have the goal of taking the lead, but she broke too well and did it herself. She controlled the pace and was beautiful comfortably,” Saez said. “When she got to the top, it was all up to her. She had a big break and I didn’t really have to do anything – just get on with her, and she made it. .”
Trainer Jonathan Thomas credited Strawbridge, who raced as Augustin Stable, for allowing him to spend his time with the chubby, which he acquired on behalf of the owner for 400,000 dollars at Ocala Breeders’ Sales 2 months 3 years old in Sales Coaching from Sharp’s Paul Consignment. Hickstead Farm bred Delight out of Medaglia d’Oro Honey Trap’s daughter.
Delight’s connection in the winner’s circle after Jessamine Staking
Thomas said: ‘We were hoping to keep her face covered, but she was really comfortable. “I love seeing her ears twitch. You always hope you have a horse, and she kicks. That’s when you see Luis is really, really good, when he’s leading like that. He very well-rounded, but that’s when he was absolutely brilliant.”
Chris Block, who coached Knockyoursocksoff, said he was proud of his final achievement with rider Flavien Prat.
“I’m really proud of her that she recovered from the start,” he said. “She ran at that slow pace. Flavien did a great job at plugging in there and saving land, and she finished very strong in the late game. I’m so proud of her. “
While Delight has already earned an all-fee paid position in the Juvenile Lawn, which will be run in Keeneland, Block said he also hopes to see his docile in the field. this area.
“I think you have to (think of Breeders’ Cup),” he said. “Look, I’m green here in Breeders’ Cup; I think I ran a horse in there. I’m not sure if she can get in, but if she does, I want to let her in. she’s got a shot she’s having a race throughout the course she’s clearly finished strong we’ll see how she gets out of it and see if we can get in And if she does well, we can give it a try.”
Thomas said having a qualifying victory already at the Breeders’ Cup host circuit certainly inspires confidence.
“It’s the best thing, and it’s for such a wonderful owner. He really put a lot of faith in us. It’s really special,” he said.
SEE: Saez, Thomas is pleased with the progression of joy
Honey Trap isn’t overrated, but she’s a half-sister to the winners Nick V. (Colonel John) and Now turn (Hard rotation). Her dam, Campionessa, is the winning daughter of AP Indy and was among the winners of the 1992 Hollywood Oaks (G1) Pacific Squall. Delight is Honey Trap’s first pony. The mare also has a longing because Factor and created by Vekoma This year. She was bred again Lexitonian .
Mendelssohn, son of Scat Daddy, exhibits the versatility of a racehorse. At the age of 2 he won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) and then in 3rd place won the UAE Derby sponsored by Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah (G2) and finished second in the Runhappy Travers Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1). Currently the seventh male in the first crop by progeny income, Mendelssohn becomes the second stallion in his crop with a ranked stake winner. The progeny of the sire has shown success in many ways, with 7 of his 16 career winners to date having won on the field.
Video: JPMorgan Chase Jessamine S. (G2T)
