Gregorian Chant makes San Simeon first graded stakes win

ARCADIA, Calif. - Gregorian Chant had mixed results in turf races at distances ranging from a mile to 1 1/2 miles in the second half of 2020. This year, there is no doubt about Gregorian Chant’s specialty.

On Saturday at Santa Anita, Gregorian Chant closed from fifth in a field of six to win his first graded stakes in the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes at six furlongs on turf, his second consecutive stakes win in a turf sprint.

“We will definitely keep him short,” trainer Phil D’Amato said. “He’s getting really good right now.”

The key to the recent success has been a strong closing kick. Gregorian Chant was last of eight early before winning the restricted Clocker’s Corner Stakes at six furlongs on turf on Jan. 24 at 10-1. He was equally as impressive against a better field in the $100,500 San Simeon, paying $9.80 as the second choice.

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Jockey Juan Hernandez has ridden Gregorian Chant in four of his last five starts, including the two stakes wins this year.

Hernandez said Gregorian Chant gave a better performance in the San Simeon, which helped the 5-year-old gelding finish a neck in front of 4-1 Sombeyay.

“He relaxed pretty well,” Hernandez said. “He was a little rough last time.”

Jolie Olimpica, a four-time graded or group stakes winner, set an early pace of 22.72 seconds in the San Simeon. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Jolie Olimpica was unable to gain a clear advantage, facing early pressure from Cistron, the winner of the 2020 San Simeon. Jolie Olimpica was second entering the stretch, losing her advantage to Cistron.

Hernandez had Gregorian Chant in fifth with a quarter-mile remaining, trailing Cistron by a little more than two lengths. Sombeyay, third early, and Gregorian Chant ran as a team through the stretch, with Gregorian Chant gaining a narrow advantage at the wire.

“Phil told me to try to go outside and make a run like last time,” Hernandez said. “I had to fight for that one. I was wanting to make one run.”

Gregorian Chant was timed in 1:08.79 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

Jolie Olimpica finished third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, and was followed by Cistron, Barristan The Bold, and Bob and Jackie. Shashashakemeup and Sparky Ville were withdrawn earlier Saturday.

Gregorian Chant, a 5-year-old British-bred gelding, races for the partnership of Old Bones Racing Stable, Slam Dunk Racing, and Michael Nentwig. A winner of 5 of 14 starts, Gregorian Chant has earned $225,013.

In the final months of 2020, Gregorian Chant won an allowance race at a mile on turf at Del Mar in August, finished third in the restricted Lure Stakes at a mile on turf here in October and was 11th of 12 in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles at Del Mar in November.