Uni was outstanding in Saturday’s $2 million TVG Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita Park.
At odds of 7-2, the Chad Brown trainee exploded from mid-pack late and won by a convincing 1 ½ lengths.
Hey Gaman shot from the thirteen-post and flew straight up to the front by the time they hit the first turn.
Photo – Copyright Eclipse Sportswire – Courtesy of Brandon Bauer of the Racing Dudes
El Tormenta also rushed up to the front to challenge Hey Gaman on the lead and the duo set fractions of :22.78, :45.32, and 1:09.27 as they were followed by Bowies Hero and True Valour.
The 3-1 post-time favourite Got Stormy sat mid-pack and Uni sat a few more lengths back in a comfortable stalking position. Into the final turn, Got Stormy moved up to third and immediately looked to be the horse to beat.
Uni, who was ridden by Joel Rosario, shot forward on the outside and went straight by Got Stormy who settled for second. Without Parole finished third, followed by Circus Maximus and Bowies Hero.
Suedois was scratched, which allowed Next Shares to draw in from the Also-Eligibles list. Caribou Club was unable to do the same. Bolo was also a late scratch.
“We had a perfect trip,” said jockey Joel Rosario. “I asked her at the 3/8th pole and she gave me a strong run. That’s when I knew we would win.”
The five-year-old mare, Uni, was bred in Great Britain by Haras D’Etreham and is owned by Head of Plains Partners Michael Dubb, Robert LaPenta, and Bethlehem Stables.
“She broke right with the first pack and then they ran away from here. Joel did exactly what we planned,” said trainer Chad Brown.
“Joel [Rosario] fits her so well. Hats off to him. Obviously, he’s a world-class jockey and has won lots of races, but the relationship between him and this horse is about as strong as you can get.”
