Six-year-old gelding Cabo Spirit, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, claimed victory in the $100,000 San Gabriel (G3) race on Sunday. Covering 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita’s opening day, this win marked his sixth career stakes triumph. Cabo Spirit, positioned fourth out of eleven runners with a 6-1 starting odds, took the lead early from the center of the course and maintained control, finishing strong despite challenges from several contenders, including the runner-up Astronomer.
Trained by George Papaplodromou and owned by Kretz Racing, Cabo Spirit had placed eighth in the G2 Seabiscuit Stakes at Del Mar in late November, but had previously secured victory in the G3 American Stakes at Santa Anita earlier this year. His six stakes wins include five graded victories, such as the G2 California Crown John Henry Turf Championship in 2024 and the 2022 G2 Twilight Derby, G3 La Jolla Stakes, and Eddie Logan Stakes. With this latest triumph, his career record improved to 7 wins, 5 seconds, and 6 thirds from 39 starts, earning a total of $1,346,836. Cabo Spirit paid out $14.80 to win.
Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farms, Cabo Spirit is by Pioneer of the Nile and out of Fancy Day (IRE), a Shamardal mare. He was purchased for $575,000 as a two-year-old at the 2012 OBS Spring Training Sale by agent Gail Van Lier.
Fan Take: Cabo Spirit’s consistent success across multiple graded stakes highlights his durability and class, making him a horse to watch for future turf events. For horse racing fans, his performances underscore the excitement and quality of competition that keep the sport vibrant and thrilling.
