Catcho En Die Just Gets By in the G3 Stars and Stripes

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL –  Catcho En Die battled hard down the stretch to win Saturday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Stars and Stripes Stakes at Arlington Park. This was the first graded stakes win in the United States for the six-year-old horse from Argentina.

Catcho En Die was the early leader breaking well from the gate and setting fractions of :24.72 and :49.72. Close behind him was Harlan Strong followed by the pair of Soglio and Cartoon. For the majority of the race, there was very little movement with most horses content to settle in and wait to make a move. Things started changing as they hit the top of the stretch – the field slowly bunched together and then the trio of Catcho En Die, Canessar, and Soglio emerged as the strongest of the three. They battled hard down the stretch but it was Catcho En Die that dug in to win it. Canessar finished a solid second followed by Soglio and the morning line favorite Arklow.

“I have no words to explain it, it’s the greatest feeling on earth,” said owner and trainer Niapaul Chatterpaul. “That’s what I’ve been known for, claiming horses and bringing them up, and that’s what happened today. The horse is classy enough. I looked at the horse, I’ve been watching the horse for quite some time and you know I really take my time when claiming horses. He just seemed to have the perfect trip.”

Catcho En Die returned $19.20 to win, $8.20 to place, and $6.20 to show. Canessar brought back $4.40 to place and $4.00 to show, while Soglio paid $5.40 to show.