Breeders’ Cup 2013: Goldencents takes Dirt Mile gate to wire!

Hustling out of the gate, Rafael Bejarano guided Goldencents to a gate to wire victory in the 2013 Dirt Mile!

 

 

On a speed-favoring track, where jockey Bejarano noted there was a lot of kick back, Bejarano knew he had to get Goldencents to the front right off the bat.  In fact, he went to fast that he ran the half mile in a very speedy 44 3/5 seconds!  “I wasn’t worried at all (about the fast fractions) because I know how good this horse has trained.  He broke so good from the gate, but the six horse (Broadway Empire) wanted to go the lead and put pressure on me.  I made sure (my horse) got clear and then at the three-eighths pole, I knew what he would do.” 

 

 

Even trainer Doug O’Neill was a bit scared of those fast fractions.  “My only doubt was when they went a half in 44-and-change.  But Raffi (jockey Bejarano) knew he was on the best horse and he rode him the easiest way to get in the winner’s circle.  What a horse.  We were really confident, but you never know.” 

 

 

Trainer O’Neill mentioned of the season that Goldencents is having, “He's been a horse we've been so blessed, knock on wood.  He's been injury-free, and he's been all over the place.  He's been to New York.  He's been in Louisiana.  He's been to Maryland, and obviously he's been out here in California.  So he's been out all over the place.  Just been thriving.  Nothing seems to bother him. He's got speed and stamina and class, and that's a great combination.  So he's just a dream of a horse to have around.”

In fact the fractions in this race were insane.  The quarter was 22 seconds flat, the half was 44 and 3/5 seconds, and the three-quarters was a blazing 1:08 3/5 seconds!! 

5/2 favorite Verrazano had a troubled trip from the 10 hole and for a horse that needs to be on or near the lead, he just couldn’t get there.  Jockey Johnny Velazquez remarked about the ride, “He got a horrible trip into the first turn and got banged around pretty good. He lost all chance.”  Trainer Todd Pletcher said, “It was just one of those things. This track is so speed favoring and everyone is just send, send, send. It changes everything.”

While the rest of the field that tried to catch up to Goldencents had faded, Golden Ticket came from way off the pace to get up for second, beaten by 2 ¾ lengths.  Brujo de Olleros rounded out the trifecta.

 

 

Be sure to stay tuned to Horse Racing Nation for continuing coverage of the Breeders' Cup!