United makes it three straight in Eddie Read; Pacific Classic next?
LNJ Foxwood's United made it three straight Grade 2 scores when running down pacesetter Neptune's Storm and prevailing in the Grade 2, $200,000 Eddie Read Stakes on grass at Del Mar on Sunday.
Sent off the 7/5 favorite under regular rider Flavien Prat, United stalked Neptune's Storm in second as that rival ushered a compact six-horse field through fractions of :23.88, :47.84 and 1:11.61 for six furlongs in the 1 1/8-miles Eddie Read. United ranged up to draw on even terms with Neptune's Storm leaving the far turn, put away that stubborn foe in midstretch, then was kept to task in the late going to hold off a fast-closing Sharp Samurai by about a half length on the wire.
Trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, United completed the trip on firm turf in 1:46.71. He was followed across the wire by Sharp Samurai, Neptune's Storm and Bowie's Hero. United paid $4.80.
Immediately after the race, Mandella offered an intriguing possibility for United's next assignment: a switch to the dirt for the first time in the Grade 1, $500,000 Pacific Classic (G1) on Aug. 22 at Del Mar.
"I've been thinking about it all summer" Mandella said, before adding. "In the state that this world is in, United is an important word.
Mandella said the other option for United would be the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2) going 1 3/8-miles on grass, also scheduled for Aug. 22.
United improves to 3-for-3 on the year following wins in the Feb. 1 San Marcos (G2) and May 23 Charles Whittingham (G2), both at Santa Anita.
Prat noted in the Eddie Read, a top-class gelding like United was able to put himself in the best spots throughout.
"The race came up perfect. He broke real well and we got a great spot," Prat said. "We went along fine and when I asked him, he just went on with it. When you ride a really good horse like this, it makes things easier. Good horses do good things; they put you in good spots. It’s all easier with his kind.”
United, who stepped into the international spotlight last fall when nearly pulling off a 51-1 upset in last year's Breeders' Cup Turf won by champion Bricks and Mortar, improves his record to 14: 6-3-1 with more than $1.2 million in earnings. He is by Giant's Causeway out of the Pulling Punches mare Indy Punch.