NEWS
Kela tracks down first graded stakes win in Texas Mile
Posted: Saturday, April 24, 2004
Jay Manoogian's Kela collected the first graded stakes triumph of his career on Saturday when he collared pacesetter Yessirgeneralsir at the head of the lane before drawing off to a 5 1/4-length victory in the $300,000 Texas Mile Stakes (G3) at Lone Star Park.
Winless in six subsequent outings after taking the Tokyo City Handicap at Santa Anita Park on May 8, Kela was making his first start outside of Southern California and was aiming to rebound from a fifth-place finish in the San Bernardino Handicap (G3) on April 3 at Santa Anita.
The six-year-old son of Numerous did just that as he tracked the pace three wide in second while Yessirgeneralsir carried the eight-horse field through a quarter-mile in :23.32 and a half in :46.28 for the one-mile test. Under urging from jockey David Nuesch, Kela advanced to the lead in the turn for home and was clear by 2 ½ lengths in early stretch.
"He left there with 'run' on his mind," said Neusch. "I was expecting to be fourth or fifth early and just trying to find a place in the clear. When I called on him, he got it on; he dug down deep and kept on digging. He finished up super."
Stakes winner Supah Blitz made a rally between foes, but was only battling for runner-up honors as Kela sloshed home in 1:35.64 over a sloppy track.
Four-year-old Yessirgeneralsir, who was starting in a stakes for the first time, held for third, 1 ½ lengths behind Supah Blitz.
Bred in Kentucky by Cypress Farms, Kela was making his third start for trainer Mike Mitchell after previously being conditioned by Larry Barrera for five of his six starts last season.
Out of the Sovereign Dancer mare Bolshoi Comedy, Kela has won six of 19 career starts and improved his earnings to $487,527.
Please see chart courtesy of Equibase at
http://www.equibase.com
