Ebony Breeze Tops Million in Chicago BC Win

(from Arlington Park report)
Kinsman Stable's Ebony Breeze rallied off the rail en route to a 1 ¼-length tally in the $157,750 Chicago Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) for fillies and mares Saturday at Arlington Park.

John Jacinto rode the daughter of Belong to Me who covered the seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:22.02.

The 6-year-old mare, trained by Bill Mott, became a millionaire with the victory, her 12th in 36 starts overall. The $105,000 winner's share boosted her bankroll to $1,003,922.

Ebony Breeze -- who settled in off the fast early pace :22.06, :44.81 and 1:09.13 set by the battling trio of Silver Crown, Getcozywithkaylee, and 13-10 favorite Annika Lass -- began a rally turning for home, taking the lead inside the furlong marker.

"The race set up perfectly for her," said Jacinto. "I just let her break easy and let her get her feet. When I asked her to go, she just ran away without any problem at all. I saw three horses in front of me, and I knew they were going to stop somewhere, so I just waited for the last quarter to ask her to run and she gave me a big kick."

Pentelicus Dance, the longest shot on the board at odds of more than 41-1, overcame a rough start to rally from second-to-last at the eighth pole to finish a strong second, a half-length clear of Annika Lass.

"She broke a step slow," said Annika Lass's jockey Chris Emigh. "I tried to get her to relax but the horse outside of me was pushing and I never could get her to relax. It probably cost me second by going too fast. She gave it her all."

Dimple Pinch, Getcozywithkaylee, For Gillian, and Silver Crown completed the order of finish.

Sent off as the second choice in the wagering at odds of 19-10, Ebony Breeze paid $5.80, $4 and $2.40 while carrying 115 pounds, four less than the favorite. Pentelicus Dance returned $19.60 and $4.40. Annika Lass paid $2.40.

Ebony Breeze was coming off a closing third-place finish, beaten by a neck, in the six-furlong Winning Colors at Churchill Downs May 27.

(Chart, Equibase)