Seven-year-old gelding Yummy With Butter spread the field late to prevail in the $200,000 Oceanport Stakes (gr. IIIT) (VIDEO) at Monmouth Park July 31. The Ontario-bred made his first trip to the winner’s circle since September 2009, when he won at Woodbine.
Sayif took the lead leaving the gate in the 65th running of the Oceanport, followed closely by Straight Story, Violon Sacre, and Workin for Hops. By the time the field hit the first turn of the 1 1/16-mile event, Paco Lopez moved Yummy With Butter into a tracking position just outside Sayif. The opening quarter went in :24 4/5 and there was no change in the running order up the backside. Sayif maintained a short advantage over the eventual winner through a half mile in :48 2/5, with Workin for Hops and Straight Story next.
Turning into the lane, Sayif and Yummy For Butter matched strides and would remain locked onto each other for most of the stretch drive. About 100 yards from home Yummy With Butter gained the advantage, and hit the wire first in 1:40 4/5. Sayif held second, and 9-5 favorite Baryshnikov got up for third.
The winner, by Silvador--Sophisticatedbagel (by Kris S.) is owned by Bruno Schickedanz and was bred by Richard L. Lister. The winner’s share was worth $120,000. Yvon Belsoeur is the winning conditioner. Yummy With Butter paid $20.20, $8.40, and $3.80. Sayif returned $10.40 and $5.40, and Baryshnikov was $2.80 to show. The $2 exacta returned $139.
"I told Paco not to be late this time," said Belsoeur. "Last time we got caught by a horse on the lead that got away from us. He was training like a grade I horse, so I was pretty confident."
Added Lopez, "He couldn't get to that horse (Sayif) last time, but today we had extra distance. Turning for home we were able to outkick the leader and get the job done."