Workin for Hops draws off in Hanshin

Estrorace’s Workin For Hops tipped three wide approaching the top of the stretch, took command at mid-stretch and drew off to win the Grade III $100,000 Hanshin Cup by three lengths on Saturday at Arlington Park.  The Mike Stidham-trained son of City Zip rallied under strong handling by James Graham to cover the one mile distance over Polytrack in 1:34.55.

The 4-year-old colt notched his third Arlington Park stakes victory in the Hanshin after capturing the $100,000 Arlington Classic and the Grade II American Derby as a sophomore.  The Hanshin Cup was his first stakes score on a synthetic surface with his prior added money wins coming on the turf.  He earned $57,600 to boost his bankroll to $584,776.

“He loved (the Arlington Polytrack),” said Graham, who picked up his third of four winners on the day.  “He got over it great.  I had a lot of horse.  He won so easy today that it wasn’t even funny.  At the half-mile pole I said, ‘They ain’t gonna beat him today.’”

Pacific Ocean made a belated rally to finish second but was no match for the winner.  It was another half-length back to Havelock, who ran third in the nine-horse field.

“I was right behind the winner,” said Junior Alvarado, who rode the runner-up. “I think the race was just a little long for him.  Usually when I ask him, he has a nice kick.  This time he wasn't as quick.”

Cool Bullet and Pointing North battled for the lead through the first seven furlongs cutting quick fractions of 22.50 seconds, 45.43 seconds, 1:09.62 and 1:21.97 before getting swallowed up by the top three finishers.   Pulsion, Akhmatova and Quite a Handful completed the order of finish.

Workin for Hops was sent of as the 2-1 favorite and paid $6.40, $3.40 and $2.80.  Pacific Ocean returned $3.60 and $3.20.  Havelock paid $6.80.