CLASSY GOING TO VEGAS STAMPS HER TICKET TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP AS SHE WINS GRADE I, $300,000 RODEO DRIVE GATE TO WIRE UNDER RISPOLI

RACE IS A BREEDERS’ CUP ‘WIN & YOU’RE IN’ CHALLENGE RACE QUALIFIER

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2022)—Back to defend her title in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes and stamp her ticket to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff, the Phil D’Amato-trained Going to Vegas was flawless on the front end today at Santa Anita as she waltzed gate to wire under Umberto Rispoli, getting a mile and one quarter on turf in 1:59.41 while never being seriously challenged.

A Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, the Chandelier victory thus provides Going to Vegas with a fee-paid berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff Nov. 5 at Keeneland.

Handled adroitly by Rispoli, Going to Vegas, a 5-year-old mare by Goldencents, made the lead with consummate ease from her number three post position, held a three quarter length advantage under the wire the first time and with Rispoli pulling the trigger at the top of the lane, she prevailed by 1 ¼ lengths over midwestern invader Family Way in a tremendous effort.

Most recently a troubled third in the Grade II John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar Sept. 10, Going to Vegas stretched out an eighth of a mile today and returned $7.20, $3.20 and $3.00 while off as the 5-2 third choice in a field of seven fillies and mares.

Owned by Abbondanza Racing, LLC, Medallion Racing and MyRacehorse, Going to Vegas, who was claimed 18 starts back for $50,000, now has two Grade I wins and six wins from 15 tries over the Santa Anita turf. With the winner’s share of $180,000, she increased her earnings to $989,151.

Out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, Going to Vegas carved out splits of 23.82, 48.60, 1:13.42 and 1:36.61.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Family Way made a good late run and paid $3.60 and $3.20 while off as the second choice at 5-2.

Longshot Bellamore, ridden by Kyle Frey, paid $9.20 while off at 30-1.