Race Recaps Desert Stone Nails Cleopatra’s Strike in San Gabriel January 4, 2020 Ernie Belmonte Race Recaps Desert Stone Nails Cleopatra’s Strike in San Gabriel January 4, 2020 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ARCADIA, CA – Zayat Stables’ Desert Stone showed no signs of rust from his seven-month layoff on Saturday, rallying late to nail Cleopatra’s Strike at the wire in the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Breaking from the rail under Geovanni Franco at 7/1 odds, Desert Stone was content to watch from the rear as the field passed the judges for the first time. On the other end, Overdue shot out to an early lead and posted fractions of :24.26, :48.18, and 1:11.65 while Majestic Eagle stalked the closest. Midway through the far turn, Majestic Eagle ranged up and took over command, but the 6/5 favorite Cleopatra’s Strike found running room and began closing from mid-pack. The bettors’ choice held the lead momentarily, but Franco had put Desert Stone into high gear at the top of the stretch with his eyes on the front end. Desert Stone locked horns with Cleopatra’s Strike near the 1/16 pole, and though Cleopatra’s Strike fought valiantly, he was unable to withstand his foe’s onslaught. The Richard Baltas-trained Desert Stone crossed a neck ahead in a final time of 1:47.63 for the 1 1/8-mile event over the firm turf course. Credit: Ernie Belmonte “I could see everybody bunching up and I knew the pace was pretty slow, but my horse was just waiting for me to turn him loose, so I didn’t worry about it,” Franco said. “He’s always a handful, but he’s just doing really good. We expected him to run good today and I was very happy with the way he ran from off the pace. I’ve worked him a lot and he likes me and I like him.” Cleopatra’s Strike was forced to settle for second by a narrow margin for the second straight year, having missed by a nose in the 2019 edition. Majestic Eagle faded to third, just holding off Chosen Vessel by a 1/2-length. North County Guy headed a tiring Overdue for fifth, while Acker was a 1/2-length behind them to complete the order of finish. Desert Stone unleashes a furious late kick to win the San Gabriel Stakes at @santaanitapark for @TeamBaltas & @ZayatStables! pic.twitter.com/hmRXyKsZIl — XBTV (@WatchXBTV) January 4, 2020 Desert Stone’s win was his first since taking back-to-back local events in the summer of 2018 and improved his overall record to 16-3-2-2. The Irish-bred 5-year-old son of Fastnet Rock, purchased for $374,233 as a yearling, has now earned $332,662. “He’s healthy now,” Baltas said regarding Desert Stone’s layoff since finishing ninth in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) here on May 27. “You can’t change the horse’s style; he runs from behind, and Geovanni Franco is the only guy that knows how to ride him. If you look at his form, this horse just likes this jockey. He has a mind of his own; when he wants to run, he’ll run, and Geovanni lets him do his thing.” Desert Stone returned $16.20 to win, $5.60 to place, and $4 to show. Cleopatra’s Strike brought back $3 to place and $2.40 to show, while Majestic Eagle paid $3.20 to show.
Kentucky Downs and Del Mar Picks & Previews | Blinkers Off 683 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
Kentucky Downs Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 565 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Football Picks & NFL Tips | Dudes Who Bet Sports 205 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Pacific Classic 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 682 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 564 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Downs Picks | Turf Sprint Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint] Aaron previews the 2024 Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Kentucky… Read More
Kentucky Downs FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Kentucky Downs on September… Read More
Del Mar FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club… Read More
Kentucky Downs Exacta Picks & Plays | Turf Cup Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf] Dr. Miranda gives her exacta picks & plays from the… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, & Gulfstream Park for September 7, 2024 Let’s kick off another big day of horse racing with… Read More