Mandy's Gold Edges Cat and the Hat in Chicago Breeders' Cup

Steeplechase Farm's Mandy's Gold survived a sustained duel with Cat and the Hat to post a head-length victory in Saturday's $164,440 Chicago Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) at Arlington Park. Under Rene Douglas, the Virginia-bred winner completed the seven furlongs in 1:22.86 on a fast track.

"She's the nicest filly to ride," said Douglas. "She has a nice long stride. I think she can go a distance. I liked the way she responded to me when I asked her. I had to be real aggressive with her down by the three-eighths because I didn't want the two horse (Soul Onarazorsedge) to carry me out. I didn't want to do that but I didn't want to end up wide."

Caressing finished third, six lengths behind the runner-up. Faccia Bella, Applesolutely, and Soul Onarazorsedge completed the order of finish.

Trained by Michael Gorham, Mandy's Gold earned $98,664 for her sixth win from 11 career starts. The 4-year-old daughter of Gilded Time also won last year's Comely Stakes (gr. III), but was disqualified and placed second behind Two Item Limit. In her most recent race prior to Saturday, she won the $75,000 My Juliet Stakes at Delaware Park. She was bred by Audley Farm.

The 7-10 favorite returned $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10. Cat and the Hat paid $3 and $2.10 and completed the $9.60 exacta. Caressing paid $2.10 to show. (Chart, Equibase)