ARCADIA, CA – Jockey Umberto Rispoli’s expert ride aboard Rock Your World ensured that the John Sadler-trained colt was a strong winner of Saturday’s $100,000 Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Stretching out from his 6-furlong debut here on January 1, Rock Your World broke from post 5 under Umberto Rispoli as the co-1/1 favorite and settled into a stalking position outside of Cathkin Peak, the other co-favorite.
Ahead of them, Commander Khai posted fractions of :23.08, :46.72, and 1:10.41 heading into the far turn, which is when the two top choices began advancing.
Rispoli kept Rock Your World from drifting out at all in the stretch, keeping him close to Commander Khai and not giving Cathkin Peak any room between.
Finding his best stride halfway home, Rock Your World drew off to win the firm turf mile route by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:34.39.
“I was afraid because the horse couldn’t find his stride,” Rispoli said about the stretch run. “He’s so big. I was trying to get him ready to switch leads at the top of the stretch, so he missed a couple of strides. … When the horse (kicked into) the other gear, he just rolled in very easy… I was (busier) pulling him up than to push him in the straight down the lane.
Cathkin Peak was 1 length ahead of Red Flag, himself a neck past Commander Khai. Harlan Estate completed the order of finish 3/4 of a length further back.
Mac Daddy Too scratched from the race restricted to 3-year-olds.
Rock Your World’s win increased the Candy Ride colt’s earnings mark to $96,600 for co-owners Hronis Racing and David Talla.
“This horse is still really green,” Sadler said. “It’s funny, we schooled him yesterday morning at 9:30 in the paddock, no problem. Today, when we put the saddle on him, tight as hell! He’s got lessons to learn, but he’s got a lot of talent. He was very game and he galloped out super. We love that about him.”
Rock Your World returned $4.20 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.20 to show. Cathkin Peak brought back $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Red Flag paid $2.40 to show.
