Flavien Prat gives lift to Rose Dawson
California Cup Oaks winner Rose Dawson might have passed last week’s mile turf race.
“I had two options,” trainer Phil D’Amato noted, referring to an allowance on dirt and the Oaks on turf. “Pedigree-wise and the way she traveled and the way she was training” were reasons D’Amato chose the turf stake for the Grazen filly.
The other reason was Flavien Prat.
“When [Prat’s agent Brad Pegram] told me he was open for the race, it was a no-brainer,” D’Amato said.
The ride was the difference. From post 11, Prat guided Rose Dawson to the rail into the first turn, saved ground throughout, angled out, and won going away.
The $11.40 mutuel is the only double-digit winner this meet for Prat, who rides more favorites than anyone. Four riders this meet have ridden 10 or more favorites. Prat is 21 for 42, John Velazquez 12 for 20, Juan Hernandez 4 for 12, and Umberto Rispoli 2 for 10. Favorites overall have been dominant, winning 45 percent (50 for 112).
Veteran ends win drought
California-based turf veteran Majestic Eagle is not quite graded-caliber these days, so it was fun to see the 7-year-old gelding score his first win in 2 1/2 years. Majestic Eagle won the Walter Cluer Memorial Stakes on Jan. 14 at Turf Paradise. His most recent win was the Grade 3 American at Santa Anita in June 2019.
“He’s a neat horse,” trainer Neil Drysdale said. “He always looks after himself well, trains well, straightforward. He tries so hard, he’s just a notch below.”
Majestic Eagle has returned to Santa Anita. The $100,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile on March 11 at Turf Paradise is under consideration. Previously owned by the late David Heerensperger, Majestic Eagle is owned by Rave Green Racing partnership. The gelding, who began his career in 2017, has won four races and $437,841 from 34 starts.
Spawr loses streak-breaker
Bill Spawr ended a string of frustrations Jan. 14 with maiden winner Feeling Grazeful. Spawr’s previous 25 starters produced 10 seconds and six thirds. The post-race celebration was short-lived. As soon as Feel Grazeful cooled out, she changed trainers. Susan Osborne’s Tarabilla Farms purchased Feeling Grazeful days before her maiden win; the filly is now trained by David Hofmans.