Canessar wins U.S. debut in Laurel Turf Cup

Gary Pariente’s Canessar captured his U.S. debut Saturday at Laurel Park, kicking in through the stretch run to prevail by 1 ¼ lengths under Feargal Lynch in the $100,000 Laurel Turf Cup.

The French invader, who joined trainer Arnaud Delacour’s stable at Fair Hill Training Center Aug. 10, relaxed off the pace set by Renown, who put up fractions of 24.20 seconds, 47:73, 1:12.72 and 1:37.34 for the first mile of the 1 ½-mile turf stakes for 3-year-olds and up. Sent to post as the 3-1 third-choice in a field of nine, Canessar tracked Infinite Wisdom, the 2-1 favorite ridden by Mike Luzzi, during the race before kicking in through the stretch and overtake the favorite in deep stretch.

“He did everything right. He’s very classy,” Delacour said. “Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done.”

Canessar, a 4-year-old French-bred son of Kendargent, ran 1 ½ miles in 2:25.23 to capture his U.S. debut and sixth win in 11 career starts. Infinite Wisdom finished second, 2 ¼ lengths ahead of the tiring pacesetter Renown, the 5-2 second choice ridden by Christopher DeCarlo.

Canessar is scheduled to step up to graded-stakes company in his next start.

“For this race we thought the timing was right for the Grade 3 at Keeneland, the Sycamore [Oct. 19],” Delacour said.

Source: Maryland Jockey Club