Owner's Strategic Claim Targets Claiming Crown for Goats on a Tree
Sal Perito, a former college basketball referee, made a calculated decision to acquire the mare Goats on a Tree for $50,000, driven by a singular ambition: to participate in the prestigious Claiming Crown Tiara at Churchill Downs. This strategic move was influenced by Perito's admiration for Kinnon LaRose, a former Division 1 basketball player and assistant trainer who took over Tom Amoss's stable. Perito's pursuit of the Claiming Crown underscores the event's significance for owners and trainers dedicated to showcasing the resilience and talent of claiming-level horses. His previous experience with a second-place finish in the 2022 Glass Slipper fueled his determination to return to the Claiming Crown, transforming a local track enthusiast into a focused competitor on a national stage.
Perito's journey into high-stakes claiming races began with modest beginnings at Mountaineer Park. He initially ran a $4,000 claimer, but his aspirations grew after his positive experience with Maoilin in the 2022 Claiming Crown. The event, which made him feel like royalty despite his humble background, left a lasting impression. This experience fostered a deep-seated desire to return, motivating him to meticulously plan Goats on a Tree's campaign. The mare's eligibility for the $25,000 starter race made her an ideal candidate for the Tiara, a 1 1/16-mile grass race designed for fillies and mares who have competed at that claiming price. Perito's proactive approach, including booking Louisville accommodations months in advance, exemplifies his commitment to the event.
Kinnon LaRose, who took the reins of the stable in April, has enjoyed a whirlwind six months, securing 25 wins from 183 starts and accumulating over $2.2 million in purse earnings. His success includes a Grade 3 victory with Stress Relief at Saratoga. LaRose credits his achievements to a strong support system, including his predecessor Tom Amoss and dedicated clients like Perito. The connection between Perito and LaRose, sparked by a chance interview where Perito recognized LaRose's basketball background, quickly blossomed into a successful partnership. LaRose emphasizes the demanding nature of the Claiming Crown, noting that it attracts top-tier horses from across the country, requiring every participant to bring their best performance.
The unique name of the horse, Goats on a Tree, adds an interesting anecdote to her story. While Perito did not name the mare, he embraced it, even creating merchandise featuring the image of goats climbing a tree, a phenomenon observed with Moroccan goats. This detail highlights the personal connection owners often develop with their horses, extending beyond the racetrack. The Claiming Crown, now expanded to nine races, continues to provide a vital platform for these "hard-knocking" horses and their connections, celebrating the backbone of American racing. It offers a dream for many owners, proving that success can be found beyond the most expensive thoroughbreds, through strategic claiming and dedicated training.
The narrative of Sal Perito and Goats on a Tree perfectly embodies the spirit of the Claiming Crown, an event conceived by the National Horsemen's Benevolence & Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. It showcases how passion, strategic planning, and a belief in the potential of claiming horses can lead to participation in significant races. Perito's journey from a local track enthusiast to a determined competitor at Churchill Downs illustrates the accessibility and excitement that the Claiming Crown brings to horse racing, offering a grand stage for horses and owners who might otherwise remain in the shadows.