Rutile sparks memories of Giacomo in debut maiden win

ARCADIA, Calif. – Rutile sparked decade-old memories of her older half-brother, Giacomo, when the 4-year-old filly won a maiden race in her career debut Saturday at Santa Anita.

Rutile closed from last in a field of 10 to win the six-furlong race by three-quarters of a length over Vivacious Beauty, paying $44.80. Rutile ran six furlongs in 1:10.04, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 77.

Rutile, by Medaglia d’Oro, races for breeders Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs, the people behind Giacomo, the winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby.

On Sunday, Shirreffs said Rutile’s win was a surprise.

“It was time to run,” he said. “We thought six furlongs was a little short for her. We knew she was doing well. We were excited to see her run.”

Giacomo, by Holy Bull, won 3 of 16 starts and earned $2,537,316. He ran from off the pace and used such tactics to close from 18th and win the Kentucky Derby in a 50-1 upset. Giacomo had one additional stakes win in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap in 2006 at Del Mar.

Rutile also is a half-sister to Tiago, the winner of the 2007 Santa Anita Derby who earned $2,358,270, and Stanwyck, a stakes winner who earned $474,250.

Rutile was in training in the winter of 2013-14 and was ready for a start last spring before she was sidelined by a tibia injury. Shirreffs said Rutile will be pointed for an allowance race at seven furlongs to a mile for her next start.