Stablemates Dicey Mo Chara and Flashiest run 1-2 in San Gabriel
Trainer Leonard Powell was understandably beaming following Monday’s Grade 2, $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita, as his Dicey Mo Chara and Flashiest ran one-two, separated by a half length. Ridden for the first time by Juan Hernandez, Dicey Mo Chara, who saved ground at the rail to the top of the lane, got 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:47.78.
Unhurried while fifth, about four lengths off the lead turning up the backside, English-bred Dicey Mo Chara settled into a nice rhythm into the far turn. He angled three-deep turning for home and overhauled Masteroffoxhounds in deep stretch while clearly best on the day.
Although he was graded stakes placed on five different occasions dating back to this past March at Santa Anita, Dicey Mo Chara registered his first-ever stakes win today in his 17th career start.
Most recently fourth in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at Del Mar Nov. 25, Dicey Mo Chara, a 4-year-old gelding, was off at 7-2 in a field of seven and paid $9.60, $5.40 and $3.20.
Owned by the Cohen family’s Red Baron's Barn and Rancho Temescal, Dicey Mo Chara picked up $120,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $430,277 from an overall mark of 17: 4-4-3.
"I’m just so grateful to the owners, who put their trust in me and this is even more special for everyone because Mr. (Jed) Cohen passed away last month," said Powell. Jed Cohen was the principal of Red Baron's Barn.
Tim Cohen, Jed's son and the principal of Rancho Temescal, said after the race, "It is emotional but (Jed) would always want to win so here we are and I’m sure he is happy."
Ridden for the first time by eastern-based Tyler Gaffalione, Flashiest was next to last, about six off the lead turning for home and rallied well while widest to be second by a length in front of favored Masteroffoxhounds.
The biggest price in the field at 21-1, Flashiest paid $16.00 and $5.00.
Ridden by Mike Smith and off at even money, Masteroffoxhounds paid $2.40 while finishing one length in front of Prince Abama.
The early pacesetter, long shot Rip City, checked in last.
Fractions on the race were 24.58, 48.67, 1:11.55 and 1:35.59.
"I would have loved a dead heat," Powell said. "Both horses ran great. The winner’s (Dicey Mo Chara) last race just wasn’t good. He was just too far back in that last race. This was more like where he wants to be. At the three eighths, I thought Flashiest was going to get there. I am just so proud of both horses. My crew got them ready."