In a thrilling photo finish at Saturday’s $350,000 Indian Summer (G3) for 2-year-olds, running 5½ furlongs on the Keeneland turf, European contender Adonius (IRE), owned by Riverdee Stable and West Paces Racing, edged out three rivals by a head. Making his American debut, the Soldier’s Call (GB) gelding trained by Rebecca Menzies and ridden by John Velazquez crossed the finish line in 1:03.46, rewarding $9.18 on a $2 win bet.
Adonius had a slow start, while Wood Island jumped quickly, but favorite Ruiva assumed the lead entering the far turn, setting early fractions of :21.15 and :44.37. Ciarlatano and Love Warrior trailed in third and fourth, with Bee Crazy, Cactus Closer, Adonius, Fanshell Beach, and Crack On closing out the nine-horse lineup.
At the stretch, Ruiva held a 2 ½ length lead, with Wood Island pressing in second and Love Warrior launching an outside bid. Adonius, wide on the turn, began closing steadily from fourth place. Though Ruiva began to falter nearing the wire, Adonius powered past to clinch the win by a narrow head over Love Warrior. Wood Island and Ruiva completed the tight photo finish, placing third and fourth. Fanshell Beach edged out Cactus Closer for fifth, followed by Crack On, Bee Crazy, and Ciarlatano.
Jockey Velazquez noted the colt’s uncooperative start in the gate. “I knew he’d break slow, given all the speed, but didn’t expect to be that far back,” he said. “He was uncomfortable early on, so I moved him outside to avoid other horses. Once clear, he had a strong kick. For a horse new to tracking competitors, he was very professional.”
Trainer Menzies announced plans to keep Adonius at Keeneland, aiming next for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1). Sean Clancy, co-owner from Riverdee Stable, expressed his excitement: “Considering the travel and new environment, his resilience and determination were incredible. When he was mid-stretch, I thought he might just miss, so winning at Keeneland is a dream come true for us.”
Bred in Ireland by Thomas Hassett, Adonius is out of Dubai Paradise, an Exceed And Excel mare. This win marks his first stakes victory following a strong second at the July 20 Molecomb (G2) at Goodwood, where he narrowly missed an automatic berth in the Juvenile Turf. With this triumph, his career record stands at four wins and two second-place finishes from six starts.
Fan Take: This exciting win by a European newcomer like Adonius highlights the increasingly international flavor of American turf racing, promising thrilling cross-continental competition ahead. For horse racing enthusiasts, victories like this boost the sport’s global appeal and set the stage for memorable battles in upcoming Grade 1 events like the Breeders’ Cup.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
