Going Global wins Goldikova in what could be her swan song

ARCADIA, Calif. – If the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes was the final start for Going Global, the 4-year-old turf filly went out in style.

Going Global ($2.60) scored a decisive victory Saturday at Santa Anita in the one-mile Goldikova, her eighth graded stakes victory since arriving from Europe and her final start before she goes through the Fasig-Tipton auction ring Nov. 6 in Kentucky.

Ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained throughout her U.S. career by Phil D’Amato, Going Global saved ground in third position, angled two wide on the far turn, burst clear into the lane, and won by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:33.85.

England’s Rose finished second, 3 1/2 lengths in front of Karakatsie. Completing the order of finish was Burgoo Alley, who set the pace before tiring to fourth, followed by Avenue de France and Cover Version.

Going Global “is probably the best mare I’ve ever trained,” D’Amato said. “Just the joy of running her and knowing she’s probably going to win.” She delivered nine times in 13 U.S. starts for D’Amato while earning $1,128,500.

Not bad for a filly purchased for $100,000 in Europe after winning one of four starts as a 2-year-old.

Emotional co-owner Michael Nentwig choked back tears in the winner’s circle after the Goldikova, knowing it may be the last time Going Global will start for he and four partners.

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“It’s going to be sad to see her go,” Nentwig said. “She’s changed the lives of a lot of people. She’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse.”

Nentwig’s partners in Going Global are Saul Gervetz, Ray Pagano, John Rochfort, and Michael Dubb. All are equal partners. Going Global, sired by Mehmas and sibling to Group 3-winning European sprinter Mitbaahy, will be offered at auction with a reserve.

“Sometimes you have to sell one,” Nentwig said. “Timing-wise, it’s the best thing for us to do, to put her in the Night of the Stars sale and see if she brings a good amount. If she doesn’t, we’ll bring her back and run her next year.”

* Air Force Red ($6.40) went slow early and fast late to win the $89,140 Lure Stakes, a restricted turf mile that was the first of seven stakes Saturday at Santa Anita. Air Force Red and jockey Juan Hernandez shook loose on a slow 47.40 opening half-mile, raced the second half in 46.38, and won by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:33.78.

Prince Abama finished second, and 2.10-1 favorite Gregorian Chant finished third. Leonard Powell trains winner Air Force Red, a 4-year-old ridgling by Air Force Blue who has won four races and $201,140 from eight starts.

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