Gulfstream: Newsdad gives Mott fifth Pan American win

Bob Coglianese

Newsdad, with Julien Leparoux up, wins the Pan American.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Bill Mott continued his dominance of Gulfstream Park's Pan American, winning the 1 1/2-mile turf fixture for the fifth time on Saturday with Newsdad, who rallied to a popular two-length victory over Hailstone in a race that scratched down to only four starters.

Mott, who was not in attendance, sent out two of the four runners in the Pan American, which was upgraded from a Grade 3 to a Grade 2 this season. He also trains Harrods Creek, who set the early pace in his first start of the year.

Jockey Julien Leparoux, who became Newsdad's regular rider here this winter, eased the favorite back to last on the first of the three turns and was content to trail the field for the better part of the opening mile. Newsdad, who was beaten a nose by Simmard four weeks ago in the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida, commenced his bid on the final turn, gained control entering the stretch for the final time, and gradually edged well clear.

Hailstone, the longest price on the board, rallied mildly to finish second, a neck in front of Simmard. Harrods Creek was a tiring fourth. Both Cause of Freedom and Center Divider scratched earlier in the day.

Newsdad joined former Mott trainees Silver Whistle (2006); Fraise (1993-1994) and Phantom Breeze (1991) as winners of the Pan American. He completed the distance in 2:24.93 and paid $3.40.

"With a small field like this, it becomes a chess match," said Kenny McCarthy, assistant to Bill Mott. "We thought he was in the catbird seat in the last race but he couldn't get by Simmard. He's a young horse and still developing, so I thought there was room for some improvement."

Trainer Roger Attfield had one simple excuse for Simmard's inability to kick on with Newsdad as he did in the Mac Diarmida.

"It was the weight," said Attfield. "If it were a handicap, we'd have been at equal weights. But under allowance conditions, we had to give him six pounds going a mile and one-half."

Newsdad carried 117 pounds in the Pan American, six fewer than Simmard.