United could go on to Hollywood Turf Cup
%20finishes%20second%20to%20Bricks%20and%20Mortar%2011-2-19%20SR6.jpg)
ARCADIA, Calif. – For a few moments in deep stretch of Saturday’s Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita, the 4-year-old gelding United looked poised for a massive upset.
United rallied from fourth to take a narrow lead with a furlong remaining, but could not hold off the late kick of Bricks and Mortar, the leading candidate for the title of 2019 Horse of the Year. Bricks and Mortar was the even-money favorite. United was the 51-1 longest shot in a field of 12.
After the race, Chad Brown, who trains Bricks and Mortar, and Richard Mandella, who trains United, were beaming. Brown had orchestrated an unbeaten campaign in six starts for Bricks and Mortar, who has been retired and will go to stud in Japan in 2020.
Mandella spoke immediately after the race of his pride for United. Sunday morning, he was looking forward to United’s next race, which could occur as soon as the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles at Del Mar on Nov. 29.
“I might think of the long race at Del Mar,” Mandella said. “We’ll see how he comes along.”
United, who races for Larry, Nancy, and Jaime Roth’s LNJ Foxwoods Stable, has won 3 of 10 starts and earned $853,549. The $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf was his first start in a Grade 1.
United was third in the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship here at 1 1/4 miles on turf on Sept. 28 in his first start since a win in an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on July 17.
United missed a scheduled start in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap on Aug. 17 because of illness. The lack of numerous starts in recent months left Mandella hopeful United can handle a turnaround to the Hollywood Turf Cup.
“He’s a little fresh because he had the virus at Del Mar and didn’t get to run” in August, he said.
United finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Anthony Van Dyck, the winner of the English Derby in June. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said immediately after the BC Turf that Anthony Van Dyck will remain in training in 2020.
“He’ll be a lovely horse next year,” O’Brien said.
