CABO SPIRIT SURGES LATE TO TAKE GRADE II, $200,000 TWILIGHT DERBY BY A HALF LENGTH AS HE GETS 1 1/8 MILES IN 1:49.46

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2022)—As he’s done thousands of times throughout an incredible career, Joe Bravo again made the last run in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Twilight Derby at Santa Anita, as he surged in the shadow of the wire to collar favored Speaking Scout and win by a half length. Trained by George Papaprodromou, Cabo Spirit, a 3-year-old gelding by Pioneerof the Nile, got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:49.46.

With longshot Go Joe Won setting leisurely early fractions, Bravo saved ground while sixth, about three lengths off the lead a half mile out. Into the bridle, Cabo Spirit bided his time behind a three-horse spread and then found a seam four-deep three sixteenth of a mile from home and was fully extended to get up in time.

Owned by Kretz Racing, LLC, Cabo Spirit, who finished well when fifth, beaten 2 ½ lengths in the Grade II Del Mar Derby Sept. 3, was off at 5-2 in a field of eight and paid $7.40, $3.60 and $2.80.

A winner of the Grade III La Jolla Handicap two starts back, Cabo Spirit, who is out of the Shamardal mare Fancy Day, now has three overall stakes wins, all on turf. With the winner’s share of $120,000, he increased his earnings to $438,560 while running his overall mark to 15-4-3-3.

Speaking Scout, who got a perfect stalking trip under Juan Hernandez, made the lead leaving the furlong marker and was second best on the day. Off as the 2-1 favorite, he paid $4.40 and $3.00.

Perfect Flight, who was lapped on the pacesetter turning for home, couldn’t go with the top two late and prevailed by a nose for third money over Go Joe Won. Off at 4-1 with Ramon Vazquez, Perfect Flight paid $3.60 to show.

The solid favorite at 2-1 with four minutes to post, War at Sea was a veterinary scratch.

Fractions on the race were 25.07, 49.89, 1:14.68 and 1:38.25.