Iron Fist rolls home in Governor's Cup

Some folks go an entire race meet without winning a stakes race. Then there is Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Ricardo Santana who enjoyed a dominant Sunday afternoon at Remington Park, adding the $175,000 Governor’s Cup to their win collections when Iron Fist won by 1-3/4 lengths.

A 5-year-old son of Tapit from the Orientate mare Successful Outlook, Iron Fist handled the 1-1/8 miles of the Governor’s Cup in 1:48.31. Owned by Whispering Oaks Farm of Carencro, La., Santana relaxed on Iron Fist and watched the other four horses in the race fight it out early. He then swooped to the outside coming into the homestretch, passing all four of his foes to win going away.

 

Iron Fist and American Dubai both went off in the wagering as even-money choices, with Iron Fist actually the favorite due to a few dollars more in his favor. American Dubai could not match strides with the winner and settled for third place as Code West gained late for the runner-up spot.

 

"I'm truly blessed to be on horses like this," said Santana. "The horse knew what to do when we got position."

 

Iron Fist paid $4.20 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show. Code West, winner of the Governor’s Cup in 2014, paid $5.60 to place and $2.60 to show. American Dubai paid $2.10 to show.

 

Bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds in Kentucky, Iron Fist won his eighth race from 22 tries. He added $105,000 to his bankroll with the victory, making his lifetime earnings $984,189.