October 6, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Simply Spack-tacular
We’re running out of superlatives for 4-year-old colt Carl Spackler (IRE), who collected his sixth career graded stakes title in convincing fashion on Saturday afternoon at Keeneland.
The Tyler Gaffalione mount led gate-to-wire in the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) for his third straight victory, and second of the Grade 1 variety (Fourstardave last time out on Aug. 11).
Now sitting at 7-1-0 with more than $1.5 million banked across 10 lifetime starts, the uber talented Carl Spackler’s next challenge is set for Nov. 2 at Del Mar for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
The Chad Brown charge paid $4.14 for the Coolmore tune-up triumph.
Don’t Leave it to Chance
Unlike the Alabama Crimson Tide, Chancer McPatrick had no trouble taking care of business as the overwhelming favourite in Saturday’s $500,000 Champagne (G1) at Aqueduct.
Leaving the gate as the heavy 1-2 favourite, the Flavien Prat mount patiently waited before swinging wide and galloping past the field of eight for a 2 ¾-length score.
Chancer McPatrick is now certainly on the cusp of ‘young phenom’ status after collecting his second straight Grade 1 trophy (Hopeful Stakes on Sept. 2) and third win in as many career starts.
For delivering on time as expected, the 2-year-old colt paid a modest $3.10.
Road Warrior
After coming up short in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) last time out, Citizen Bull broke through in a big way in the $300,000 American Pharoah (G1) on Saturday at Santa Anita.
A slight change of scenery from one premier California Thoroughbred venue to another paid incredible dividends for the 2-year-old colt, who dictated the pace throughout the 1 1/16-mile contest.
Making the story even sweeter is that jockey Martin Garcia secured the ride only days before the race.
Despite the tight window, Garcia and Citizen Bull put all the pieces together in time to find the winner’s circle.
At 3-1, Citizen Bull paid $8.60.
There She Goes
Scottish Lassie gave her best Derrick Henry impression in the $400,000 Frizette (G1), absorbing contact early before barrelling through for a runaway score.
The 2-year-old filly stunned both Aqueduct’s Saturday crowd and the six other hopefuls vying for the Frizette crown with a commanding nine-length tally at 6-1.
While not the most unexpected of results, Scottish Lassie’s ‘welcome to the show’ moment also happened to be her first career win.
The Jose Lezcano mount finished third in her pro debut on Sept. 1 at Saratoga.
For getting in the win column, Scottish Lassie paid an even $15.
Afternoon Stroll
Rider Florent Geroux had 1-5 closing line favourite Idiomatic on cruise control in a resounding $600,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) triumph.
Running under the Sunday afternoon sun, Idiomatic and Geroux were in a class of their own in race nine at Keeneland.
The seven-time graded stakes winning duo faced minimal resistance on the 1 1/8-mile path to trophy number eight, leading to a clear 6 ½-length decision.
With the Juddmonte added to her resume, Idiomatic has now collected nearly $4 million in lifetime earnings (12-3-2 through 17 starts).