Cabo Spirit Reclaims Victory in City of Hope Mile
In a gripping contest at Santa Anita Park, the seasoned campaigner Cabo Spirit, a seven-year-old gelding with millionaire status, demonstrated a remarkable return to his peak performance. He clinched a hard-fought victory in the Grade 2, $200,000 City of Hope Mile, outpacing El Potente by a narrow margin. This triumph not only marked a significant achievement for Cabo Spirit but also secured his place in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Mile, highlighting his enduring prowess on the turf.
The race unfolded with Cabo Spirit, guided by the skillful hands of Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, setting the early pace. He maintained control through opening fractions of 23.47, 46.91, and 1:10.36. As the field approached the seven-furlong mark, El Potente, the race's favorite, made a decisive move along the rail, momentarily seizing the lead. However, Cabo Spirit, known for his tenacious spirit, refused to yield.
In a thrilling stretch duel between the two seven-year-olds, Cabo Spirit, with Smith expertly maneuvering him wide, surged forward in the final sixteenth of a mile. He meticulously reeled in El Potente, ultimately securing the victory by a head in a photo finish. The winning time for the mile on the firm turf was 1:33.06, under challenging 93-degree conditions. Trained by George Papaprodromou and owned by Kretz Racing, Cabo Spirit’s win paid out $16.40, $6.40, and $4.00, while El Potente, trained by Dan Blacker, returned $3.60 and $2.60 for his second-place effort.
King of Gosford, with Umberto Rispoli aboard for trainer Phil D’Amato, claimed third place, returning $2.80. Irish Aces finished fourth, and Detain rounded out the field of five starters, following the scratch of Teao. This victory marked Cabo Spirit’s first win since his triumph in the 1 1/8-mile San Gabriel (G3) at Santa Anita in December. It was his sixth graded-stakes victory, a testament to his consistent high-level performance throughout his career. His previous attempt in the City of Hope Mile saw him lead late before being narrowly defeated by the heavily favored Johannes.
With the $120,000 first-place prize from Saturday’s race, Cabo Spirit's career earnings soared to an impressive $1,568,856. His career record now stands at 8 wins, 6 seconds, and 10 thirds from 45 starts, underscoring his remarkable durability and competitive longevity in the demanding world of horse racing. His recent fourth-place finish in the Del Mar Mile (G2) in August served as a prelude to this significant return to the winner's circle, signaling that the veteran gelding still possesses the heart and speed to compete at the highest levels.
The City of Hope Mile win has solidified Cabo Spirit's position as a serious contender for the Breeders' Cup Mile, scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland. This performance underscores his remarkable ability to consistently perform at an elite level, overcoming challenges and demonstrating an unwavering will to win. His victory not only brought joy to his connections but also excited racing fans who appreciate the grit and determination of a true champion.