Gulfstream Park: Prado guides Kitten’s Point to victory in Herecomesthebride

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Graham Motion and jockey Edgar Prado go back a long way. In fact, the pair have had so much success together over the years that Motion even gets emotional when asked to talk about his long association and friendship with the Hall of Fame rider.

Motion and Prado teamed up yet another time to win a graded stakes Saturday at Gulfstream Park with Kitten’s Point, who benefitted from a perfectly judged ride to outlast the unlucky Tokyo Time by a neck in the $150,000 Herecomesthebride.

Kitten’s Point, one of two horses Motion saddled in the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride, along with Tuttipaesi, stalked a dawdling early pace set by I O Ireland, who did little more than lope through an opening quarter- and half-mile in 25.51 and 51.13 seconds. Kitten’s Point engaged the leader on the second turn, forged to a short advantage nearing the furlong marker, then was fully extended to withstand the runner-up.

Tokyo Time endured a brutal trip after taking back off the slow early pace, eventually steadied back to last in the six-horse field before launching a game but futile final rally that fell just short of victory. Tuttipaesi broke slowly, raced wide, and finished another 1 1/4 lengths further back in third.

Caroline Thomas had to take up sharply when put in tight quarters by the tiring I O Ireland and Tokyo Time nearing midstretch, losing all chance.

Kitten’s Point, a 3-year-old daughter of Kitten’s Joy owned by George Strawbridge’s Augustin Stable, completed 1 1/8 miles over firm ground in 1:50.22 and paid $15.60.

“I ran her because I thought she’d like the distance, that a mile and one eighth would be a big help to her,” said Motion. “In fact, Edgar just jumped off and said he can’t wait until she goes a little further. It kind of ran like a stayer’s race. The difference between the win for her and Tuttipaesi was that she never got to cover up, never got to settle.”

Motion then choked up briefly when asked about his long association with Prado.

“I didn’t understand why everybody got off Edgar,” said Motion. “He’s a Hall of Famer. It’s emotional for me to win races like this with him. We go back a long way. He’s a special rider.” 30