Cathkin Peak shines in Eddie Logan at Santa Anita Park

Taken well off the early pace while next to last into the clubhouse turn, trainer Phil D’Amato’s Irish-bred Cathkin Peak edged closer to the leaders heading to the far turn and, with four lengths to make up turning for home, kept to his task and overhauled pacesetter Commander Khai to register a one-length victory in Sunday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, Cathkin Peak got a flat mile on turf in 1:33.80.

As expected, Commander Khai went to the early lead, and he was tracked in second by morning line favorite Beer Can Man, who flattened out a bit late. Commander Khai kept to his task but couldn’t hold off the winner, who kept grinding to gain the advantage.

A one-mile turf maiden winner in his U.S. debut on Nov. 29 at Del Mar, Cathkin Peak was off at 4-1 in a field of seven juveniles and paid $10.40, $5.00 and $3.40.

“He’s such a neat horse,” said D’Amato. “Ever since he arrived, he hasn’t done anything wrong and he keeps getting better and better. Flavien seems to fit him like a glove.”

Owned by Sterling Stables LLC, Michael Nentwig and CYBT, Cathkin Peak, who started once in his native Ireland, is now two for three and with the winner’s share of $46,680, increased his earnings to $81,672.

Trained by Richard Baltas, Commander Khai was off at 7-2 and paid $5.40 and $3.60 with John Velazquez up while prevailing by 2 3/4 lengths over Beer Can Man.

Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Beer Can Man also was off at 7-2 and paid $3.00 to show.

Fractions on the race were 22.59, 45.74, 1:09.51 and 1:21.55.

Named in honor of Santa Anita’s beloved “Footman,” the Eddie Logan honors the memory of the man who manned his shoeshine stand at Santa Anita from the track’s opening on Dec. 25, 1934, until shortly before his passing at age 98 in January 2009.