NEWS
War Monger prevails in Sunshine Millions Turf
Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 8:01 PM
WAR MONGER
Bob Coglianese
by Bob Ehalt
It looks like trainer Bill Mott has yet another promising grass runner on his hands.
War Monger recorded his second straight stakes win on the turf, rolling to a 1 1/4-length victory Saturday in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Benefiting from a ground-saving trip under jockey Kent Desormeaux, the four-year-old War Chant colt won for the fourth time in seven career starts in taking the fourth and final stakes for Florida- and California-breds on Saturday’s program.
Owned and bred by Peter Vegso, War Monger was steadied on both turns as he worked his way forward in the bulky field of 11. Rating in eighth, 4 1/2 lengths off the lead after an opening half-mile in :48.46, the 1.90-to-1 favorite swung out at the top of the stretch, surged past tiring pacesetter Lucky J. H. inside the eighth pole, and held off fast-closing Soldier’s Dancer for a clear victory in 1:46.32 on firm turf.
“To have him come through horses like he did today really impressed me. He’s come a long way. He’s a very talented animal. He’s really matured,” Desormeaux said.
Soldier’s Dancer, winner of the 2006 Calder Derby (G3), settled for second, one length ahead of Lucky J. H.
The 54-year-old Mott, who has trained two turf champions in his Hall of Fame career, had not raced War Monger since the Florida-bred took the $100,000 Rutgers University Stakes on October 24 at Monmouth Park.
“He ran well today,” Mott said. “Is he better at a flat mile? I can’t tell you. He didn’t have a good trip. It’s amazing. When those jocks have a lot of horse, they are able to find room.”
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Bob Ehalt is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
