Catalina Cruiser returns a winner in True North

ELMONT, N.Y. – Catalina Cruiser made a triumphant return from a seven-month layoff and came within .39 seconds off the course record in the process, wearing down the embattled duo of Strike Power and Recruiting Ready in the final strides to register a half-length victory in Friday’s $250,000 True North at Belmont Park.

Catalina Cruiser was freshened following his disappointing sixth-place finish as the 4-5 favorite seven months earlier in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The setback was the first for Catalina Cruiser following four consecutive, one-sided victories to open his career.

With Joel Rosario aboard for the first time, Catalina Cruiser broke a bit flat-footed before rushing to closer contention down the backstretch. Catalina Cruiser raced between horses from the second flight around the turn, tipped outside to continue his bid for the drive, and despite drifting some in late stretch was able to run down the leaders in the closing strides under vigorous handling.

Strike Power broke smartly to set the pace from the inside, was joined by Recruiting Ready nearing the three-eighths pole and repulsed repeated challenges from that rival through the stretch before succumbing grudgingly to the winner at the end. Recruiting Ready also continued on with good courage through the stretch, finishing just a nose farther back in third.

Whitmore, beaten a neck when second in the 2018 True North, was never a serious factor and finished last in the field of eight older horses.

Catalina Cruiser is a 5-year-old son of Union Rags trained by John Sadler for Hronis Racing LLC. His final time of 1:14.85 came within two ticks of the 6 1/2-furlong course record of 1:14.46 shared by Bear Fan and Super Shape.

“My biggest fear was the fact he could break a little slow and it might be too much to overcome,” said Sadler, by phone, from California shortly after the race. “I liked the way Joel got him up in the race within striking distance. I knew he’d probably be fit coming out of Santa Anita and he’s just a really good horse. He has the one bad race on his form, but we’re not looking back, we’re looking ahead to this year. I think he’s one of top horses around and we’re really excited about the season ahead.”

Sadler said if all goes well with Catalina Cruiser, who is scheduled to fly home on Monday, he would likely look next at a title defense in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap during the opening week of the Del Mar summer meeting.

Mark Hennig, who trains Strike Power, had mixed emotions after the race.

“I’m happy but I’m disappointed at the same time,” said Hennig. “It was a great effort. A great effort. The horse ran too well to get beat like that. I told the help to treat him like he won because he thinks he did. Let’s keep it that way.”