Therecomesatiger Pounces in Sea o'Erin Mile

Charles R. Patton's Therecomesatiger came from off the pace to nip Le Cinquieme Essai by a head in the $114,500 Sea o'Erin Breeders' Cup Mile on Saturday at Arlington Park.

Mark Guidry rode the Tom Proctor-trained son of Tiger Ridge who covered the mile over a turf course rated "good" in 1:37.15.

Breaking from the rail, Therecomesatiger sat about two lengths off the leisurely pace of Cougar - Cat who led through a half-mile in :49.80. Le Cinquieme Essai took the lead on the far turn, clocking a six-furlong fraction of 1:14.28. Therecomesatiger, the 9-5 second choice in the field of six, split horses at the top of the stretch, engaged Le Cinquieme Essai near the furlong marker, and outfought his rival to the wire.

The win was the first for the 4-year-old gelding since capturing the $150,000 Commonwealth Turf at Churchill Downs last November. He earned $60,000 for the Sea o'Erin score to boost his bankroll to $265,529 while bettering his overall record to five wins from nine starts.

Le Cinquieme Essai, ridden by Steven Bahen, was a clear second, finishing 2 ½ lengths to the good of 3-2 betting favorite Fort Prado and Robby Albarado.

Rapid Proof, Cougar Cat, and Kid Grindstone completed the order.

Therecomesatiger paid $5.60, $3 and $2.20.

Le Cinquieme Essai returned $3.40 and $2.20.

Fort Prado paid $2.10.

(Chart, Equibase)