Ferdichenko Cup recap
CARDINAL OF LOVE, way back early, charged down the lane to make a mockery of the Ferdichenko Cup at Japan Race Course last weekend, drawing off to win by over 5 lengths and very likely punching his ticket to represent the DelPenn National residency in one of the long-turf Equinics races four weeks from now. His time of 2:28.4 earned him a fine 113 speed rating, and he raised his earnings to over $4.6 million in just his 15th career start. He also cracked the Top 10 in the tough long-turf rankings. This performance was just 1/5 of a second off the stakes record, set last year by DASSAULT.
The 4yo son of Giant’s Causeway, ably trained by super15, is as consistent as they come; his speed rating has not been under 101 since he first broke into 3 figures back in June as a 3yo. Four of his last five have actually cleared 110, with the only miss coming in last year’s Breeders’ Bowl Turf. Even in that one, he fired a 107 and was running strong in the stretch to finish a distant 4th after dropping nearly 20 lengths back in that star-studded field.
CARDINAL OF LOVE‘s rider, K Ledwith, described his ride: “We were just cruisin’ back there, and he suddenly started blowing past horses. I never touched him, never asked him for anything. He just blasted by everyone like a Ferrari, but the ride was a breeze, more like sitting in the back of a limo.”
KHARTOUM KILLER‘s fine 2nd-place showing also may have earned him a chance to appear in the Equinics (representing the Universal Racing Club residency) should trainer pincay want another shot. Of course, she could try one the the distaff divisions, too; she’s the #2-ranked long-turf female runner.
K’S OBSESSION finished 3rd, another half-length back, and may be able to represent the Hispano Parlante residency for trainer supreme.
#1-ranked long-turf filly KANTIA ran fifth in the Ferdichenko, but may still represent Minnesota Downs in one of the Equinics races for trainer belissimo.