Atitlan notches Twilight Derby, first stakes win of career
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ARCADIA, Calif. - Troubled trips led to losses for Atitlan in two turf stakes at Del Mar during the summer. His luck changed in Saturday’s Grade 2 Twilight Derby on turf at Santa Anita.
Atitlan had a much better trip, and a better result, in the $201,000 Twilight Derby, winning the first stakes of his career.
Atitlan ($14.60) closed from fourth in a field of seven to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths over 6-5 favorite Stay Hot. Cathal, an 8-1 chance who was fifth early, closed well to finish third.
Ridden by Hector Berrios, Atitlan stalked a slow pace of 24.22 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 49.52 for a half-mile set by 8-1 Curlin’s Kaos. Berrios moved Atitlan between horses in early stretch, a move that provided to be decisive.
Atitlan ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.12 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83.
At Del Mar, in turf stakes for 3-year-olds, Atitlan finished third by 2 3/4 lengths in the La Jolla Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on Aug. 4 after racing in traffic on the backstretch, and was third by 1 3/4 lengths in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 1 after racing in traffic in early stretch.
“He had a little bit of traffic problems in past races,” trainer John Shirreffs said.
Shirreffs noted that Atitlan was more comfortable through the $201,000 Twilight Derby.
“He seemed to relax really well and make one move,” he said.
Stay Hot, the winner of four stakes earlier this year, including the La Jolla Handicap, closed with a wide run to be nearest the front at the finish in the Twilight Derby. Trainer Peter Eurton rued Stay Hot’s luck, wondering what his runner could have done with the sort of ground-saving trip that worked for Atitlan.
“I think he could have followed that horse and then hoped for the best,” Eurton said. “It’s easy to say, Monday morning quarterbacking when the game is over.”
Pacesetter Curlin’s Kaos faded to finish fourth, followed by Twirling Point, Rothschild and Wynstock.
Atitlan, a colt by The Factor, has won 2 of 5 starts and earned $213,500 for owner John O’Connor.
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