ARCADIA, Calif. – Displaying a potent turn of foot, Motorious (GB) flew down Santa Anita’s unique downhill turf course to capture the $100,500 Daytona Stakes (G3) on Saturday, June 14. The 7-year-old gelding, coming off a nearly six-month layoff, showed no signs of rust as he surged past rivals in the stretch to win convincingly under jockey Antonio Fresu.
The race, contested at about 6 ½ furlongs, began with Goliad breaking sharply and setting a swift pace, clocking the opening quarter-mile in 23.18 and the half in 45.10. Fresu and Motorious were content to settle in fourth position, tracking the leaders from the outside and saving energy for the crucial final stages.
As the field crossed over the dirt track and prepared for the final turn into the homestretch, Fresu angled Motorious out four-wide, giving him a clear path. At the top of the lane, Goliad’s early efforts began to take their toll as Air Force Red and Lovesick Blues made their bids. However, it was Motorious who had the most to offer.
Unleashing a powerful closing kick, the Phil D’Amato-trained charge seized command entering the final furlong. He drew clear of the field and hit the wire 1 ¼ lengths in front, completing the distance in a final time of 1:13.13 over the firm turf. The victory marked a triumphant return to the races for the son of Muhaarar (GB), who had not competed since December 28, 2024.
“Phil and his team had him ready to go today,” said jockey Antonio Fresu after the race. “He’s a horse with a lot of class. I just had to get him into a good rhythm, and when I asked him to go at the top of the stretch, he really responded. He loves this downhill course.”
Bran (FR), the 2022 Turf Sprint (G1) winner at Keeneland, overcame traffic trouble in the stretch to rally late for second place. Air Force Red held on to secure third after stalking the pace from the inside.
Owned by Anthony Fanticola, Motorious earned his fifth win from 11 starts in the United States since being imported from Great Britain. The $60,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted his career earnings to over $450,000. It was another masterful training performance from D’Amato, who specializes in developing top-tier turf sprinters.
Scratched Horse(s): Daniel’s Magic (Re-entered), Stay Hot (Trainer)
Fractional Times: 23.18, 45.10, 1:07.12
Final Time: 1:13.13
Winning Connections
Winner: Motorious (GB)
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Trainer: Philip D’Amato
Owner: Anthony Fanticola
Breeder: Kirtlington Stud & Mrs Mary Taylor
Bloodline: Bay Gelding, by Muhaarar (GB) out of Squash (GB), by Pastoral Pursuits (GB). Foaled Mar 14, 2018, in Great Britain.
Stallion Info: Muhaarar (GB) stands at Haras du Petit Tellier in Sévigny, France. (€14,000 Live Foal)
Payouts
1st – (7) Motorious (GB) – Win: $3.80, Place: $2.60, Show: $2.10
2nd – (2) Bran (FR) – Place: $4.00, Show: $2.40
3rd – (1) Air Force Red – Show: $3.20
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (7-2) Paid: $6.50, $1.00 Trifecta (7-2-1) Paid: $18.50, $1.00 Superfecta (7-2-1-6) Paid: $32.20
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