Distance-loving The Grey Wizard pulls away in Cape Henlopen; Nashville Gold Cup likely next

The Grey Wizard won his second straight marathon stakes in the $200,000 Cape Henlopen on Wednesday at Delaware Park. He won by 2 1/4 lengths over Limited Liability. It was another 3 3/4 lengths back in third to English Conqueror.

The Cape Henlopen was for 3-year-olds and up over 1 1/2 miles on turf.

The Grey Wizard ($4.20) was the favorite off a win in the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup going two miles at Saratoga. He trailed the field for much of the Cape Henlopen, as April Fools Andy put up fractions of 25.08 seconds for the opening quarter, 52.75 for the half-mile, 1:19.70 for six furlongs, and 1:45.50 for the mile.

The Grey Wizard advanced three wide on the final turn and upon straightening for home quickened to the wire. He covered the distance on a course upgraded from good to firm in 2:32.70.

John Velazquez was aboard for trainer Graham Motion.

:: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now.

Motion said The Grey Wizard is a candidate for the Nashville Gold Cup, a 2 1/16-mile race Sept. 11 at Kentucky Downs. The horse is well suited to that distance, according to Motion.

“I think he showed that that’s really what he wants to do and there’s just such limited races over here,” Motion said. “I think he’s matured into a really nice two-miler.

“He certainly looks like a horse that kind of wants to go all day. He’s got a lovely galloping action.”

The Grey Wizard has now won 4 of 15 starts for earnings of $685,370. The son of Caravaggio races for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and the Estate of Albert Frassetto.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.