The attempt by Goldikova to capture a fourth Breeders’ Cup race fell short as Court Vision , the longest price in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) field at 64-1, won by a slim nose over Turallure (VIDEO).
“The years have taken their toll,” said Goldikova’s trainer Freddy Head. “She had a chance and ran a very good race. I am very proud.”
Court Vision, purchased by B. Wayne Hughes’ Spendthrift Farm in August, was ridden by Robby Albarado. Previously trained by Rick Dutrow Jr., he was put in the hands of Dale Romans after the purchase. He had one prior start for Romans, finishing seventh in the Woodbine Mile (Can-I) Sept.18.
The 6-year-old son of Gulch paid $131.60 to win, the second-highest price in the history of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships behind 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Arcangues, who paid $133.60 to win.
This was Court Vision's first win since the Woodbine Mile in September 2010 He followed that effort with a fifth-place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile and he had not been in the money in four prior starts in 2011.
The 6-year-old mare Goldikova was made the 13-10 favorite in her quest for a four-peat.
Jeranimo and Get Stormy set the early pace as Court Vision, Turallure, and Goldikova brought up the rear of the 13-horse field. The opening quarter-mile was run in :24.17 and the half in :48.18. The stalking Sidney's Candy took a brief lead at the quarter pole while getting six furlongs in 1:12.44.
At that point, Goldikova had advanced into fifth along the hedge as Court Vision (10th) and Turallure (13th) continued to lag.
All that would change in the stetch run. Goldikova,who had forced her way off the hedge, and Court Vision and Turallure, both floated extremely wide into the stretch, hooked up in the lane. But it was Court Vision and Turallure who turned the contest into a battle all the way to the wire. By a head bob, Court Vision claimed the victory.
After the race, an objection was filed by jockey Patrick Valenzuela on Courageous Cat against Goldikova’s rider Olivier Peslier for interference. The stewards let the order of the race stand.
The final time was 1:37.05.
Romans said he was thrilled to have the four-time grade I winner moved into his barn.
“I’ve loved Court Vision since he was a 2-year-old,” he said. “We saw him at the sales and have been following him. I’ve been saying all week how good this horse was doing. When I saw how easy he was running down the backside, I thought if they just back up a little we’ve got a hell of a shot.”
Like Goldikova, Court Vision will now be retired and enter stud next year at Michael Byrne’s Park Stud in Ontario, Canada. The fee will be determined later.
Court Vision, out of the Storm Bird mare Weekend Storm, was bred in Kentucky by W.S. Farish and Kilroy Thoroughbred Partnership.
For place and show, Court Vision paid $48.60 and $21.40. Turallure, ridden by Julien Leparoux, paid $10 and $7, and Goldikova $2.40. The $2 exacta paid $1,979 and the $2 trifecta paid $9,955.
Gio Ponti , forced to steady while steadily gaining at the sixteenth pole, settled for fourth, followed by Mr. Commons, Sidney's Candy, Jeranimo, Byword, Zoffany, Strong Suit, Compliance Officer, Get Stormy, and Courageous Cat.
