Mind Control edges Hot Rod Charlie in a thrilling Salvator Mile

Oceanport, N.J.

Odds-on favorite Hot Road Charlie lost a prolonged stretch duel with Mind Control in the Grade 3, $150,000 Salvator Mile (G3) at Monmouth Park.

Trainer Doug O’Neill decided to send Southern California-based Hot Rod Charlie across the country to New Jersey for his first start in almost three months. An earner of more than $5 million after a trip to the Middle East, he went off at 3-10 in a field of five.

The 6-year-old Mind Control, who was the second choice at 2.30-1 for trainer Todd Pletcher, was making his third start of the year following a third in the Carter (G1) at Aqueduct and a fifth in the Churchill Downs (G1).

Right out of the gate it became clear that this would be a race between those two rivals. Mind Control got the lead on the inside with Hot Rod Charlie running in the two-path.

Mind Control and regular rider John Velazquez were able to open a clear lead after setting early fractions of 23.60 and 46.66 second for the opening half mile.

“This was the plan, hopefully get to the lead and get a little breather,” Velazquez explained. “Hot Rod Charlie doesn’t have that much speed and my horse is coming from a sprint. I knew if I hustled him, he would make the lead. I didn’t want to hustle him too much where I didn’t have anything left. We got a breather.”

Mike Smith also came from California to ride Hot Rod Charlie for the first time in place of regular rider Flavien Prat. He asked the 4-year-old colt to start getting closer on the second turn and did by getting even with Mind Control to set up a battle down the stretch.

Hot Rod Charlie used that momentum to get a neck in front mid-stretch, but Mind Control, who has won head-to-head stretch battles before, fought back to regain the lead and prevailed by a head in the final time of 1:35.79.

“When I got to the half-mile pole I kind of opened up again and he gave me a good run down the lane,” added Velazquez. “Hot Rod Charlie actually put a neck in front late but my horse was just too game.”

Hot Rod Charlie has not had good luck at Monmouth Park. Last year, he crossed the wire in front in the Haskell Stakes (G1) only to be disqualified and placed last. Now he was upset as a heavy favorite.

“I would not have been happy with anything but a win,” Smith said. “He didn’t run badly. Credit to the winner. He was gallant. My horse fought with him. Ability-wise I know what he is capable of, so that is the reason I am not pleased. I know what he can do and this was not it.”

Mind Control got his 10th career win and paid $6.60. The $2 exacta returned $9.20. Grade 1 winner Shirl’s Speight shipped down from Woodbine to race on the dirt for the second time in his career and finished third.

Pletcher and Velazquez each got their second wins in the Salvator Mile. Pletcher was not on-site for the race.

Assistant trainer Anthony Sciametta said the race unfolded just as Pletcher had hoped.

“That was the plan, exactly as it happened," he said. "It was perfect. I thought he was beat in the lane to be honest. But he is a very gutsy horse.”

O'Neill obviously had his own take on the proceedings.

“We are obviously disappointed but we’re just so proud of him getting back to the races. We’re grateful for the day and looking forward to the future.”