Mocito Rojo extends stakes streak in Governor's Cup
Mocito Rojo won his fourth consecutive stakes race Friday night when he rallied for a half-length victory over pacesetter Popularity in the $175,000 Governor’s Cup at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third to Limation.
Mocito Rojo’s win streak has included the signature dirt races for 3-year-olds and up at Lone Star Park, Evangeline Downs and now Remington. His other stakes win during his streak came at Delta Downs.
The Governor’s Cup, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles, was the first stakes of the meet. It also was the first time the race was run on the opening night card, said Dale Day, spokesman for Remington. The trophy presentation was made by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Mocito Rojo ($5.40) settled off the pace set by Popularity, who took the field through fractions of 23.99 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.54 for the half-mile, and 1:12.96 for six furlongs, with Limation in close pursuit. Jockey Gerard Melancon angled Mocito Rojo out into the stretch and they worked their way past the leaders and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:49.56.
“He handled the mile and an eighth well,” Melancon said.
It was the first time Mocito Rojo had won at a distance beyond a mile. It was also the 16th career win for the horse, who races for Wayne T. Davis and is trained by Shane Wilson.
“He just wants to win,” Wilson said.
Mocito Rojo’s stakes streak includes the Owners Appreciation Cup on March 9 at Delta Downs, the Grade 3, $300,000 Steve Sexton Mile on April 28 at Lone Star Park, and the $100,000 Evangeline Mile at his base of Evangeline Downs on June 22.
Evangeline closes Thursday night, and following the meet Mocito Rojo will be based at Delta Downs, said Wilson. The horse is a 5-year-old son of Mutadda and he was bred in Kentucky by Paul Van Doren and Andrena Van Doren. Mocito Rojo has now earned $649,750.