ARCADIA, Calif. – In a masterful display of patience and explosive power, Nitti (IRE) surged from the back of the pack to capture the Grade 3, $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita Park.
Covering the marathon distance of about one and three-quarters miles on the firm downhill turf course, the Irish-bred gelding overhauled the leaders in deep stretch to win decisively under a perfectly timed ride from Armando Ayuso.
As expected, the race began with Time Song going to the front to establish the pace. He carved out steady fractions of 46.73 for the half-mile and 1:10.72 for three-quarters, with Balladeer tracking comfortably in second.
Meanwhile, Ayuso had Nitti (IRE) settled comfortably at the rear of the five-horse field, saving ground along the rail through the early stages. Content to let the race unfold ahead of him, Ayuso waited for the opportune moment to make his move.
Time Song continued to lead as the field went down the backstretch and into the final turn, but the eventual winner was beginning to unwind. Ayuso guided Nitti (IRE) off the rail and into the two-path, commencing a determined rally.
Turning for home, Nitti (IRE) was angled out three-wide and set down for the long drive to the wire. He steadily gained on the front-running duo of Time Song and Balladeer, locked in their battle.
Inside the final sixteenth of a mile, Nitti (IRE) inhaled his rivals, powering past them with authority and pulling away to win by a convincing two and a half lengths. The final time for the grueling distance was 2:45.94.
The Leonard Powell trainee demonstrated a devastating turn of foot, leaving the pacesetter Time Song to hold on for second place. Balladeer, who stalked the pace throughout, checked in third.
The victory marked a significant career milestone for Nitti (IRE), which is owned by the partnership of Innergy Racing Corp, Zephyr Racing LLC, and Sonny Pais. The son of Make Believe (GB) proved his class and stamina, conquering one of North America’s most unique and challenging turf races.
Scratched Horse(s): For Arrogate (Trainer), Maltese Falcon (IRE) (Stewards), Mrs. Astor (Trainer)
Fractional Times: 46.73, 1:10.72, 1:37.50, 2:03.50, 2:29.32
Final Time: 2:45.94
Winning Connections
Winner: Nitti (IRE)
Jockey: Armando Ayuso
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Owner: Innergy Racing Corp, Zephyr Racing LLC and Sonny Pais
Breeder: Johnwalsh/Jerryobrien/Makebelievesyn
Bloodline: Bay Gelding, by Make Believe (GB) out of Baby Love (GER), by It’s Gino (GER). Foaled May 11, 2021 in Ireland.
Stallion Info: Make Believe (GB) stands at Ballylinch Stud in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. (€8,000 Live Foal)
Payouts
1st – (1) Nitti (IRE) – Win: $12.00, Place: $5.80, Show: $3.20
2nd – (3) Time Song – Place: $8.40, Show: $4.40
3rd – (8) Balladeer – Show: $4.40
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (1-3) Paid: $29.20 | $1.00 Trifecta (1-3-8) Paid: $178.10 | $1.00 Superfecta (1-3-8-7) Paid: $166.40
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