Closing Remarks has a great Sunday, takes Goldikova Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - The decision to race Closing Remarks on Sunday and not Saturday at Santa Anita this weekend led to the 5-year-old mare’s fourth stakes win of the year in the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares on turf.

Closing Remarks was pre-entered for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf here in late October, but was not entered last Monday. The $200,500 Goldikova Stakes at a mile was rated a better option by owner and breeder John Harris and trainer Carla Gaines.

Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Closing Remarks had an ideal trip in the Goldikova. She raced in fifth and then last of six for the first six furlongs before rallying wide to beat 11-10 favorite Queen Goddess by a half-length.

“Juan did a masterful job,” Gaines said.

Closing Remarks ($13.60) was timed in 1:32.69 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

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“This race set up good for her,” Hernandez said. “She was feeling good in the post parade. She was very game at the end.”

Queen Goddess stalked pacesetter Hamwood Flier for the first six furlongs through a strong pace of 22.67 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.38 for a half-mile. Hamwood Flier (4-1) led into the stretch, but was caught by Queen Goddess with more than a furlong remaining.

The Goldikova was the first start for Queen Goddess since she finished third as the favorite in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes here in May. She has won four stakes in her career.

“I think it was a good performance,” trainer Michael McCarthy said.

McCarthy was left impressed by the race’s rapid time.

“That stacks up well with any races run over the weekend,” McCarthy said.

Hamwood Flier finished third, followed by Full Count Felicia, Eddie’s New Dream and Lucky Girl.

Closing Remarks and Queen Goddess are candidates for the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Dec. 3.

A California-bred by Vronsky, Closing Remarks has won 7 of 24 starts and earned $999,320. Earlier this year, she won three Grade 2 turf stakes – the Royal Heroine Stakes here in April, the Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar in August, and the John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar in August.

Closing Remarks finished fourth of eight in the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf here on Oct. 7.

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