Irish Invader Going Global Surges Late To Win Sweet Life

ARCADIA, CA – In her first start stateside and for trainer Phil D’Amato, the Irish-bred Going Global surged late to win Sunday’s $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Sent from post 3 under Flavien Prat as the 8/1 fifth choice, Going Global settled into a ground-saving trip near the rear while Five Pics Please raced to set a solo tempo on the front end.

Advancing along the rail through the far turn, Going Global tipped off the rail at the top of the stretch and commenced a three-wide rally toward a loose-on-the-lead pacesetter.

Five Pics Please fought valiantly as the wire neared, but Going Global swept past him and a close-behind Nimbostratus in the final jumps, crossing a 1/2-length clear while completing the 6-furlong firm turf sprint in 1:07.68.

“I watched her last race and you could see she could run.  Phil talked to me this morning and said they really like her.  She’s a little tough, likes to do things her way, but she was very professional.

Five Pics Please saved second by 3/4 of a length over Nimbostratus, while the 9/5 favorite Majestic Steps rallied to fourth after enduring a tough trip throughout the far turn.

Squared Shady, I’m So Anna, Plum Sexy, Freedom Flyer, Royal Address, Magical Thought, Go Greta, and Pizzazz (who took a bad step in the far turn and was eased before walking off) completed the order of finish. 

Going Global’s win was her second straight following a maiden-breaking score going 7 furlongs over Dundalk’s synthetic course in her native country. Currently co-owned by CYBT, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig, and Ray Pagano, the 3-year-old Mehmas filly has now bankrolled $68,792 lifetime.

“She trained very well (heading into her first American race),” D’Amato said. “Flavien hinted that she could definitely use some more ground, so we’ll definitely look at the two-turn stakes schedule here and go from there.”

Going Global returned $19.80 to win, $9.60 to place, and $6.60 to show. Five Pics Please brought back $10.40 to place and $7 to show. Nimbostratus paid $5.40 to show.