Curlin’s Vino Rosso Dominates BC Classic

[Wandering Eyes]

After a DQ in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. last time, it was sweet redemption for VINO ROSSO (c, 4, Curlin–Mythical Bride, by Street Cry {Ire}) with a powerful victory in the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic to close out his career. He is scheduled to take up stallion duties at Spendthrift Farm for 2020. Perched two wide, the 9-2 chance settled in fourth as newly blinkered War of Will (War Front) set the pace, clocking opening splits of :23.09 and :47.16 with McKinzie (Street Sense) and Mongoliam Groom (Hightail) in tow. Patiently handled by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Vino Rosso readily responded when given the signal on the backstretch. Sweeping up to tackle new leader McKinzie entering the turn, the chestnut battled his favored rival until mid-stretch, where he powered clear for a three-length score in 2:02.80. McKinzie held second with Higher Power (Medaglia d’Oro) taking third and the mare Elate (Medaglia d’Oro) checked in fourth. It was the first BC Classic win for both trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Ortiz, who was winning his fourth race of this Breeders’ Cup weekend.

Bred by John Gunther, whose Glenwood Farm also produced Triple Crown hero Justify (Scat Daddy), Vino Rosso was picked out by the late Jim Crupi for $410,000 at KEESEP. Winner of the GII Wood Memorial S. last term, the chestnut kicked off this season with a win in the Stymie S. Mar. 9 at Aqueduct and was fourth next out in that venue’s GI Carter H. Apr. 6. Scoring his first top-level triumph in this venue’s GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita May 27, he was third to McKinzie and Yoshida in the GI Whitney S. at Saratoga Aug. 3 and crossed the line first in the Jockey Club Sept. 28, but was DQ’d to second for interference. Lifetime Record: 15-6-1-3.

O-Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable; B-John Gunther (KY); T-Todd Pletcher.

 

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