Competitionofideas Invades, Romps in G1 American Oaks

ARCADIA, CA – Klaravich Stables’ east coast-based Competitionofideas invaded the west coast turf scene with gusto on Saturday, circling the field in the far turn before romping home victorious in the Grade 1, $300,000 American Oaks at Santa Anita.

Breaking without incident from post 8 under Joel Rosario at 5/1 odds, Competitionofideas saved ground at the rear of the field while K P Pergoliscious posted opening fractions of :24.02, :47.84, 1:11.95, and 1:35.84 for the opening 8 furlongs. As she hit the top of the far turn for the final time, Rosario kicked Competitionofideas into high gear, and the Chad Brown-trained filly responded immediately. Circling the back half of the field in the turn, Competitionofideas hit the top of the stretch running four-wide and ready to explode. Reeling in the front-runners with every step while under a full drive, Competitionofideas completely blew past the upset-minded K P Pergoliscious in the final 1/16 of a mile before hitting the wire in a final time of 1:59.77 for the 10-furlong event over the firm turf course.

“She broke well, we saved ground, and we took one shot,” Rosario said. “I thought we would be closer, but everybody wanted their spot, so I just let her settle.”

K P Pergoliscious outlasted Amandine by a head at the wire after the latter had tracked her from second throughout the race. Colonia, another east coast invader, was not as successful as other shipper and could only take fourth by a head over Paved. Sixth went to Princess Warrior, while the 2/1 favorite Californiagoldrush – who was so washed out that her sweat was visible as she went past the judges the first time – never fired and finished a disappointing seventh. Retro completed the order of finish after never threatening. Kodiak West was scratched.

Competitionofideas’ win came in her graded stakes debut and improved her overall record to 7-3-1-2. The 3-year-old daughter of Speightstown, purchased as a yearling for $325,000, increased her career earnings to $315,568.

“It’s great to finish out the year like this,” said Jose Hernandez, assistant to Brown. “This filly had settled in real good here at Santa Anita and she was doing good coming into this race. She finished up really strong today.”

Competitionofideas returned $12.20 to win, $8 to place, and $4.60 to show. K P Pergoliscious brought back $48.20 to place and $13.80 to show, while Amandine paid $4.40 to show.