Antipathy Beats Stanwyck in Shuvee
The Godolphin-owned Antipathy proved her breakthrough performance in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps was no fluke on Sunday at Saratoga Race Course, splashing her way to a two-length victory in the Grade 3, $200,000 Shuvee Handicap.
Antipathy entered the Shuvee off a surprising third-place finish in the Ogden Phipps, when she was beaten a neck by Close Hatches and Princess of Sylmar at odds of 30-1.
On Sunday, the 4-year-old daughter of A.P. Indy was a narrow second choice in the wagering at 2-1.
Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Antipathy broke alertly under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and assumed control of the lead in a matter of a few strides, but was forced to cede her early advantage around the clubhouse turn as long shot Swinger's Party was determined to make the front.
Antipathy inherited the lead again around the far turn as the beleaguered pacesetter began to plummet, and spurted away in the stretch, holding runner-up Stanwyck at bay despite drifting out near the finish.
The win was McLaughlin's first of the meet.
"It was a great performance," said a visibly relieved McLaughlin. "Team McLaughlin needed a win; we haven't run that many live ones. We were real happy to get a win. She's a well-bred filly for Godolphin, and now she has a Grade 3 win to go along with a Grade 1 placing. I thought she ran very well."
Antipathy, who was racing at 1 1/8 miles for the first time in her career, completed the distance in 1:52.80.
"We weren't worried about [the nine furlongs] because she's by A.P. Indy," said McLaughlin. "She's just gotten good, she's improved a lot, and if you look back at the allowance races she lost, two nice fillies beat us. She's improving and we're very happy to get a Grade 3 win."
According to McLaughlin, the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign on August 22 at Saratoga could be next for the filly.
Antipathy returned $6.40 on a $2 win wager and enhanced her career earnings to $316,784.
Second-place finisher Stanwyck went wide around both turns and closed well for trainer John Shirreffs. The Jerry and Ann Moss color-bearer was 1 ¼ lengths clear of Hot Stones in third, while it was another 2 ½ lengths to Ambusher in fourth.
The favorite, Flashy American, checked in fifth, while Unlimited Budget and Swinger's Party completed the order of finish.