Coach Phil D’Amato is about to have a busy week Wall in the Kentucky Derby (G1). However, he continued to win on his home turf. Santa Anita ParkEQUAL uncork the bottle made her first start as a trainer by winning the Royal Heroine Stakes (G3T) on April 27.
Jockey Frankie Dettori drove the five-year-old mare superbly for D’Amato and owner Stuart Grant’s The Elkstone Group. Nine distaff runners lined up for the one-mile race on turf, with D’Amato coaching Bellabel set the tempo. She went through the first quarter mile in :22.57 while Uncorked was in sixth place, initially off the rail and then moving to the inside.
Dettori later said that D’Amato warned him that Uncorked “jumps fast so make sure you have cover and help her relax.”
Dettori said that’s just what she did, which meant she was ready to go when the railway opened towards home “like the Red Sea”. Uncorked and Dettori took advantage immediately, rushing across the tracks while Justique and popular Stay and cheat were fighting for the lead in the middle of the track after both ran wide.
Uncorked flew forward to score a clear margin of 1:34.06. Justique finished second, 1/2 length ahead of Stay and Scam.
“When Frankie asked her, she answered,” said Julie Witt, D’Amato’s assistant. “She’s Australian-bred and they’re famous for their sprinters/walkers there and they have great footwork.”
Uncorked began his career in his native Australia, posting modest wins in nine starts between late 2021 and 2022. On the East Coast last year when trained by Brittany Russell, Uncorked made seven starts. Playing at four different tracks, winning twice and finishing third in competition. November 19 Forever Together Shares at Water racetrack. It was her last outing before Royal Heroine.
“When she got here, she felt pretty uncomfortable with us, so her California debut was delayed for a while,” Witt said. “But once we got her right, she didn’t miss a beat.”
Mr. A. Galbraith bred Uncorked, a daughter of Pierro off the Iffraaj horse Piaf . Piaf is the winner and is a half-sister to the group-placed Maythehorsebemagic. The second dam was a multiple group winner Arletty.
Videotapes: Royal Heroine S. (G3T)
