Veteran millionaire racehorse Cabo Spirit, guided by jockey Mike Smith, set the pace and bravely held off a strong late surge from favorite El Potente to claim victory in the $200,000 City of Hope Mile (G2) at Santa Anita on Saturday. This win earned Cabo Spirit a spot in the prestigious $2-million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland.
In a thrilling final furlong battle between two experienced 7-year-olds, Cabo Spirit, starting at 7-1 odds, narrowly defeated the 2-1 favorite El Potente by a head at the finish line. King of Gosford came in third, trailing by 3¼ lengths, followed by Irish Aces and Detain further back.
Mike Smith praised Cabo Spirit as a “cool horse,” noting that although he does not always win, he consistently runs strong races. Smith added that it was rewarding to finally see Cabo Spirit secure a win after frequently finishing second or third.
Trained by George Papaprodromou for Kretz Racing, Cabo Spirit completed the race in 1:33.06, setting early fractions of :23.47, :46.91, and 1:10.36 through six furlongs. Smith explained his strategy of allowing Cabo Spirit to run comfortably early on to conserve energy for the finish.
El Potente stayed close along the rail but was unable to catch Cabo Spirit, who moved toward the middle of the track during the stretch. Smith described Cabo Spirit’s habit of drifting out slightly in the final stretch, saying he manages it as best he can without hindering the horse’s momentum.
This victory marks Cabo Spirit’s sixth graded stakes win and seventh stakes win overall, pushing his career earnings beyond $1.5 million. The gelding, by Pioneerof the Nile out of the Shamardal mare Fancy Day (IRE), was bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm. Cabo Spirit previously competed in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Turf after a win in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) at Santa Anita but finished 12th in that Breeders’ Cup event.
Prior to this race, Cabo Spirit had his first win since December when he took the San Gabriel (G3) at Santa Anita, and he recently finished fourth in the Del Mar Mile (G2) after leading early. Trainer Papaprodromou praised his horse’s heart and determination, noting that Cabo Spirit’s perseverance paid off in today’s race.
Cabo Spirit’s win paid $16.40 and added another highlight to an already impressive career.
Fan Take: Cabo Spirit’s victory is a thrilling reminder of the enduring spirit and competitiveness of veteran turf horses, which adds depth and excitement to the sport. His earned spot in the Breeders’ Cup Mile promises a captivating showdown that fans everywhere will eagerly anticipate, showcasing both experience and grit at the highest level of racing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
