Demonstrating a powerful closing kick, Vote No surged in the final sixteenth mile to capture the $200,000 Cape Henlopen Stakes on Saturday at Delaware Park. The four-year-old gelding, expertly handled by jockey Paco Lopez, navigated a patient course before overpowering his rivals in the marathon 1 1/2-mile turf event.
The race began with Dripping Gold establishing a clear early lead, setting measured fractions of 24.47, 49.49, and 1:13.80 for the first six furlongs. Starting Over and Harrow settled into stalking positions just behind the leader, content to track the pace.
Meanwhile, Lopez had Vote No settled comfortably along the inside rail in the middle of the 10-horse field. The son of Divisidero appeared full of run, requiring Lopez to take a firm hold as the field passed the stands for the first time.
He maintained his inside position down the backstretch, saving ground and waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The race’s complexion changed as the field rounded the far turn after a mile in 1:39.13. The front-running Dripping Gold began to tire as Harrow and Starting Over launched their bids for the lead. It appeared to be a two-horse race to the wire for a moment.
However, Lopez angled Vote No off the rail and tipped him out four-wide at the top of the stretch. Once clear, the Kelsey Danner-trained gelding found another gear, swallowing up ground with every stride.
He swept past the dueling leaders in the shadow of the wire, securing the victory by a convincing three-quarters of a length.
Harrow fought gamely to hold on for second, while Starting Over checked in third. The final time for the 1 1/2 miles over a firm turf course was 2:27.61.
The victory was the first stakes win for Vote No, owned by the partnership of Crown’s Way Racing LLC, NBS Stable, Kevin Marko, and Eli Diamant. The win improved his career earnings and made him a rising turf marathon division contender.
Scratched Horse(s): Master Piece (CHI) (Trainer)
Fractional Times: 24.47, 49.49, 1:13.80, 1:39.13, 2:03.54
Final Time: 2:27.61
Winning Connections
Winner: Vote No
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Trainer: Kelsey Danner
Owner: Crown’s Way Racing LLC, NBS Stable, Kevin Marko, and Eli Diamant
Breeder: Mr. & Mrs. A. John Price
Bloodline: Dark Bay or Brown Gelding, by Divisidero out of Sistas Ready, by More Than Ready. Foaled Apr 11, 2021, in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Divisidero stands at Airdrie Stud in Midway, KY ($5,000 Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (1) Vote No – Win: $6.40, Place: $4.20, Show: $3.20
2nd – (6) Harrow – Place: $8.20, Show: $5.80
3rd – (8) Starting Over – Show: $8.40
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (1-6) Paid: $23.80 | $1.00 Trifecta (1-6-8) Paid: $242.20 | $1.00 Superfecta (1-6-8-4) Paid: $897.50
Be the first to comment