It isn’t usually {that a} sport plan set out within the paddock goes precisely in accordance with plan, nevertheless it did for Grand Sonata at Kentucky Downs Sept. 7, resulting in victory within the $1,995,000 million Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes (G2T).
“This horse has had so many unhealthy journeys,” mentioned coach Todd Pletcher’s assistant Amelia Inexperienced. “In the present day the rail appeared fairly golden. That was the plan within the paddock.”
Breaking from the far exterior within the area of 9, jockey Tyler Gaffalione settled the 5-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro off the tempo and towards the rail within the early phases of the 1 1/2-mile contest.
“I used to be capable of tuck in and get behind (even-money favourite) Integration, nice observe,” Gaffalione mentioned. “All the pieces simply labored out.”
Coming into off a sluggish tempo in Aug. 24 Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course that contributed to him ending final of 5, Grand Sonata acquired a a lot better arrange Saturday as the Turf Cup’s defending winner, Get Smokin , set fractions of :23.65, :47.53, 1:11.21, and 1:34.97.
Ready for Gaffalione’s command, Grand Sonata was prepared to reply when the pair discovered daylight turning for dwelling.
“After we wanted the spot to open on the quarter pole, it did,” Gaffalione mentioned. “My horse did not hesitate and he did the job nicely, I am very happy with him.”
Punching by way of the opening, the darkish bay or brown horse asserted himself the one to beat, and nobody did.
“He is a extremely good-moving, fluent horse,” Inexperienced mentioned. “He is very assured in himself, I believe they should be to recover from this course.”
Freeway Robber , final early, made a run however might solely get inside a half-length on the wire. Tawny Port was third whereas favored Integration completed fourth.
The ultimate time of two:24.93 is a observe document.
Grand Sonata bests the sector within the G2 FanDuel TV Kentucky Turf Cup. The Whisper Hill Farm homebred was educated by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. #KyDowns pic.twitter.com/ciMcAuANFD
— Kentucky Downs (@KYDownsRacing) September 7, 2024
A part of the Breeders’ Cup Problem Sequence, Grand Sonata earned a fees-paid berth to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar Nov. 2. Inexperienced could not decide to that path but, saying it could be between Pletcher and proprietor Whisper Hill Farm, however mentioned the “Win and You are In” has been recognized to sway connections to the World Championships.
No matter his Breeders’ Cup standing, Gaffalione was relieved to choose up victory within the Turf Cup contemplating he had completed third or fourth in every of the final 4 editions. Two of these got here on the favourite, however the long-sought win got here aboard a longshot who paid $32.78.
“(The Turf Cup) is one which’s gotten away the final 4 or 5 years, it is actually bothered me,” Gaffalione mentioned. “It was further particular to get it finished at the moment.”
A Kentucky homebred for Whisper Hill, Grand Sonata turned sire Medaglia d’Oro’s fourth graded or group stakes winner of the season. The Darley stallion, who stood for a $75,000 charge this yr, has additionally been represented within the graded winner’s circle by Kallos, Ticker Tape Dwelling , and Delahaye .
The victory was a primary graded win for Grand Sonata because the 2022 Kitten’s Pleasure Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park. HIs document now stands at 5-6-2 from 23 begins for earnings of $2,057,635.
Video: FanDuel TV Kentucky Turf Cup S. (G2T)
