Dorth Vader secures a decisive victory in the Ogden Phipps S. (G1) at Saratoga, earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Read the full race recap.
In a powerful performance on a sloppy Saratoga track, John Ropes’ homebred Dorth Vader surged past the front-runner in the stretch to capture the $500,000 Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) by an impressive 4 ¾ lengths. The victory marked the first Grade 1 win for the 5-year-old mare and her owner-breeder.
The race began with Dazzling Move breaking sharply and setting a brisk pace, carving out fractions of 22.90, 46.41, and 1:10.14 over the sealed track. Under jockey John Velazquez, Dorth Vader settled comfortably in a stalking position just off the leader. While Dazzling Move maintained her advantage around the far turn, it was clear Dorth Vader was traveling well and ready to make her move.
As the field turned for home, Velazquez gave Dorth Vader her cue. The daughter of Girvin responded with a powerful surge, collaring a game Dazzling Move at the eighth pole and drawing away convincingly to stop the clock in 1:49.10 for the 1 1/8-mile distance . The win was a triumphant return to form for the mare, who hadn’t won a race in 27 months.
“She’s a high-strung filly, but she’s like fine wine. She’s getting better with age,” said winning trainer George Weaver. Weaver noted that removing the horse’s blinkers this year has paid dividends, helping her relax early in her races.
The victory was a long-awaited triumph for owner John Ropes, who named the mare after his partner, Dorothy Harden, a “Star Wars” fan. With the win, Dorth Vader earned an automatic, all-fees-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
Dazzling Move held on gamely for second place, 1 ¾ lengths ahead of the 1.10-1 favorite Raging Sea, who endured a bumpy start but closed belatedly for third.
Scratched Horse(s): Candied (Stakes Scratch)
Fractional Times: 22.90 46.41 1:10.14 1:35.75
Final Time: 1:49.10
Winning Connections
Winner: Dorth Vader
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: George Weaver
Owner: John Ropes
Breeder: John Ropes
Bloodline: Dark Bay or Brown Mare, by Girvin out of Hardcore Candy, by Yonaguska. Foaled Mar 24, 2020 in Florida.
Stallion Info: Girvin is standing at Airdrie Stud in Midway, KY ($25,000 Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (1) Dorth Vader – Win: $19.60, Place: $7.30, Show: $3.40
2nd – (2) Dazzling Move – Place: $11.60, Show: $4.00
3rd – (4) Raging Sea – Show: $2.20
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (1-2) Paid: $57.75, $0.50 Trifecta (1-2-4) Paid: $56.00, $0.10 Superfecta (1-2-4-6) Paid: $34.20
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