NEWS
Noble Court holds off late charge from Law Breaker to win San Vicente
Posted: Sunday, February 11, 2007 9:20 PM
NOBLE COURT (blue shadow roll)
Benoit & Associates photo
By Mike Curry
Joy Ride Racing’s Noble Court surged to the lead from between horses and held off a determined late bid from runner-up Law Breaker to prevail by a neck in the $150,00 San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.
The bay Doneraile Court colt became the newest three-year-old to begin establishing his credentials on the Triple Crown tTrail, and trainer John Sadler said after the race that Noble Court will likely go on to the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 17.
“He looked like he struggled with the track a little bit,” Sadler said. “He was fighting it, but we’re happy to come out with a win on a surface he didn’t really love. It was a good race.”
Stakes winner Half Famous set a pressured pace while dueling with Spanish Influence through a spirited half-mile in :45.59 in the seven-furlong race. Noble Court settled into a comfortable rhythm from just off the pace while saving ground under jockey Corey Nakatani just inside of Law Breaker.
Half Famous took control on the turn but was inhaled by 4-to-5 favorite Noble Court leaving the quarter pole. Law Breaker closed willingly from the outside but ran out of real estate as Noble Court had enough left to hold on for his first career stakes win in 1:23.12 over a wet fast track.
“He was running a little green but I was just patient,” Nakatani said. “When you’re on much the best horse, I’d rather save ground and win the race than ask the horse to do too much and not win the race.”
Half Famous dug in willingly to finish 1 3/4 length back in third.
The San Vicente field was reduced to five challengers after San Miguel Stakes runner-up Hurry Up Austin was a late scratch due to a problem with his left hind shoe. Major Pleasure also was scratched.
Noble Court entered off a third-place finish in the San Miguel. He improved to two wins, one second, and one third from four starts and increased his earnings to $131,600.
Bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jones, Noble Court is the first starter out of the Grindstone mare Grey Dawn Grey.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times daily news editor
