Blackjackcat nabs third straight stakes in Obviously Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. – Blackjackcat won his fourth consecutive race, and third straight in a stakes, in Saturday’s $79,695 Obviously Mile at Santa Anita, a minor stakes designed as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 4.

Blackjackcat ($3) won the Obviously Mile by 1 1/2 lengths over 13-1 Bird Is the Word, racing near the front throughout under jockey Kent Desormeaux. Blackjackcat stalked pacesetter Mach One Rules to the turn, took the lead before reaching the stretch, and drew away in the final 300 yards.

Blackjackcat was timed in 1:33.70 on a day when temperatures reached the mid-90s.

Blackjackcat won the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile by a head on Aug. 20 in his previous start.

“I think he ran stronger in the stretch,” trainer Mark Glatt said. “It seemed an easier race. He’s got natural speed and he showed that today.”

Cistron, a 9-1 shot, finished third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths. He Will finished fourth, followed by Tequila Joe and Mach One Rules.

Blackjackcat was considered for Saturday’s Grade 1 Shadwell Mile at Keeneland before Glatt and owners and breeders Al and Sandee Kirkwood opted to stay in California.

A 4-year-old gelding by Tale of the Cat, Blackjackcat has won 6 of 14 starts and earned $400,070.