Turf War closes from last to win Christiecat Stakes by a neck

ELMONT, N.Y. - Trainer Chad Brown won 13 stakes as part of his meet-leading 41 victories at Saratoga. Friday, as the Belmont Park fall meet began, Brown picked up where he left off sending out Turf War to a last-to-first victory in the $100,000 Christiecat Stakes at soggy Belmont Park.

Turf War, last turning for home under Joel Rosario, was able to nail Brooke Marie on the wire to win the Christiecat by a neck. Brooke Marie was second by 3 1/2 lengths over Rose Flower as Christophe Clement-trained runners finished second and third. Turf War, a daughter of War Front owned by Martin Schwartz, took advantage of a hot pace, a little longer distance and soft turf to record her first U.S. victory.

Turf War was twice beaten in allowance company at Saratoga, both races at 5 1/2 furlongs. The Christiecat was run at six furlongs.

Turf War dropped back to last early, eight lengths off the pace established by Saint Moon, who ran an opening quarter in 21.87 seconds and a half-mile in 44.87.

Rosario saved ground down the backside and around the turn on Turf War, tipped five wide in the stretch and was able to reel in Brook Marie, who had taken over from Saint Moon in mid-stretch.

“It looked like they ran away from me right away, at that point I let her run the race how she wanted,” said Rosario, who won two races on Friday’s opening-day program. “Looked like they went at a good speed in front of me, she came with a run and got the money.”

Turf War, dismissed by the bettors at 8-1, returned $19.60 after covering six furlongs in 1:09.99 over yielding turf.

Brooke Marie, under Junior Alvarado, got a terrific stalking trip and looked like a winner in midstretch only to get run down late. She was a clear second over her stablemate, Rose Flower.

“They both ran well,” Clement said. “[Rose Flower], first time in the States was a bit erratic, finished third. The other filly finished second, got some black type and she almost won the race. It’s tough but you have to try and see what we can do to try and win the race next time.”

Following Rose Flower in the order of finish were Peaceful, Saint Moon, Dancing Vega, and Comedy.