Equinics champ Cortez(IRE) conquers Hero(G3) followup
New South Wales– Boom, boom! Out go the lights…… and plenty of bloody noses followed by the time Cortez(IRE) crossed the Grade 3 $125,000 Theregoesmyhero Stakes’ finish line.
A longshot winner on February’s Sim Equinics day, Cortez(IRE) had something to prove over this seriously competitive sophomore turf colt field. Despite a stellar resume, the bookies still pegged the champ as the slight 3rd-choice in the field of 13. No matter though — trainer Slipknot22 had Cortez(IRE) markedly fit and the son of High Chaparral(IRE) parlayed a 4-week post-Equinics breather into a handsome 2 1/4 length score.
Mighty frisky, the blood bay colt translated his on the muscle post parade appearance picture perfect. Jockey Phillippo Bangs suffered no unexpected problems whatsoever positioning Cortez for his usual midpack cruise. Up front, marusha’s stakes-placed longshot Rockabilly Rock(IRE) led the group through modest fractions. No one went with the Rock Of Gibraltar(IRE) youngster and it seemed like the stalkers would have to settle for money positions and the ignominy of an 11/1 longshot upset.
But Cortez(IRE) thought otherwise. The colt eagerly jumped at Bangs’ command approaching the three-quarter pole. He picked up ground in gobs and floated three-wide at the top of the stretch. Bangs had only to tap him a couple times and Cortez took off. In a gorgeous piece of professionalism, the colt collared a now-tired Rockabilly Rock and cantered under the wire much the best. Stevesutto’s stalker Devil’s King pocketed second money, winning a banged-up battle between the forward-pack stalkers.
Final time for the nine furlongs over firm turf was 1:49 2/5, a 97 SP# for Cortez(IRE).
With his 5th victory from 9 starts, Cortez(IRE) now ranks 5th in the 3YO Classic Turf division. A dilemmna awaits his trainer:
- Should slipknot22 aim for the 8f Guineas? He’s already proven determined over the Monster Mile.
- Or should Cortez continue according to pedigree (High Chaparral x Conquistador Cielo x Foolish Tanner (Foolish Pleasure)) and aim for the 12f Derby de English in June?
Good luck, Larry! 🙂
Theregoesmyhero(G3) Notebook:
- Stevesutto’s Devil’s King(IRE) rebounded from his Equinics disaster. The Refuse To Bend(IRE) colt wanted little to do with the yielding course on Equinics day and very much appreciated the firm turf this time around. A good solid effort for the runner-up spot. We’re gonna hear more from this colt — he’s still learning the ropes.
- Mikehusker’s DelPenn Day winner Drop the Bomb(IRE) ran an admirable albeit even third. But the Beat Hollow(IRE) son again got kind of “caught,” losing a bit of ground down the lane. Could be due to class level… or distance limitations. The colt’s an improving miler already– jury’s still out though whether or not he wants more ground.
- Fourth-place finisher Kepler Berzerk ran a herculean race, closing from over a dozen lengths out of it. Bobo’s Woodman son perhaps felt the effects of a heavy 3 races in 6 weeks schedule. Also loose pacesetter too might’ve compromised the racetime fave’s winning chances. Still, excellent effort from the son of millionaire mare Berzerk A.P. (36 lifetime wins!) and half-brother to recent Grade 3 winner Berzerk Gold.
- Peeps had to be proud of his 5th-place finisher Zanzabar(IRE). The recent listed stakes winner by Galileo(IRE) merited well in his first step up in class. Honest 92 SP# after threatening the pacesetter early.
- Marusha’s pacesetter Rockabilly Rock(IRE) came out of the race in good shape, beaten only 5 lengths. It was his career best SP# in only his 2nd try around two turns. The colt’s bred to stay classic distance and more.
- Equinics also-rans Andy’s Choice (9th) and Yukon Hollandia(IRE) (13th) both repeated disastrous trips. The latter was distanced and perhaps suffered injury.
- Impressive Fainting Goats Nightmares(G1) 3rd-place finisher Honeyimhome (10th) looked like a duck out of water. The Came Home son enjoyed a 6-week breather, but wanted no part of his return to races. Perhaps the 9f distance did him in and he’ll return to the mile or sprints for trainer torrential.
Reporters Note: My apologies for missing this race’s preview. 🙁