Barbados’ Saffie Joseph Jr got his maiden Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, after fielding four career starters. Soul of an Angel rallied from dead last to spring a 19-1 shocker, winning by a half-length over Society in the 18th running of the USD $1 million PNB Bank Filly & Mare Sprint. The 37-year-old Joseph labelled it “a special moment.”
“It’s a special moment to get our first Breeders’ Cup win, and for connections that have been so loyal to me, C2 Racing, Agave racing,” gushed a visibly emotional Joseph. “Just special. And for Drayden himself. Overall, the horse is the hero, and we’re just part of the process and enjoy the ride. All glory to God. I’m thankful and I’m blessed in that way, just to experience this.
“It’s something that I grew up as a kid, wanting to win a Breeders’ Cup race and to get it done it means a lot.
“Most definitely, it was a surreal moment, because it’s one of those races where you could enjoy it. She was coming. She was coming. It worked out that she was coming. It was like, ‘go with it, go with it’ and she did. She got there. It’s just a special moment.
“The first quarter, I knew that’s how she runs, but I thought she might be a little closer this time. Then I was a little concerned. Once they put up the first split I saw, she was into the bridle. It’s a surreal moment. I hope everybody can get to enjoy, every trainer in the world, because it is special. I’m thankful for it.”
That race kicked off the Saturday portion of the World Championships at Del Mar, California, USA on the weekend. Trained by Joseph and ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Soul of an Angel completed the seven furlongs over the fast main track in 1:21.59. It is a first victory in the world championships for the 37-year-old Joseph, and a second for Van Dyke, winner of the 2018 Turf Sprint on Stormy Liberal.
Society and Pleasant duelled through early fractions of 21.94 and 44.22 seconds as Soul of an Angel lagged as far back as 12 lengths off the pace in the nine-horse field. On the far turn with a wall of horses vying for the lead, Van Dyke took Soul of an Angel to the outside and hit the top of the stretch six wide.
With clear running, Soul of an Angel wore down the leaders to prevail by a half-length over Society, who finished a nose in front of Pleasant, themselves narrowly in front of fourth-place Scylla and fifth-place Ways and Means.
Soul of an Angel is a five-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Atreides out of The Factor mare Factor One. Sprinting for only the third time in 41 career starts, owned by C2 Racing Stable, Agave Racing Stable and Ken Reimer, Soul of an Angel earned $520,000 for the victory and increased her earnings to $1,192,675.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Joseph notched up his 32nd win at Gulfstream Park’s Sunshine Meet with Mrs Gambolini, ridden by Barbadian apprentice Micah Husbands in the Allowance Optional Claiming $25,000. The two Barbadians have struck up a very successful partnership over the past month.
(Horse Racing Nation)
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