Obviously wires Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint

Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino’s Obviously finally earned a Breeders’ Cup win on Saturday, but not in the Mile (G1), the race he’s competed in for the past four years.

Instead, the eight-year-old son of Choisir was entered in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) and led all the way home to just hold on by a nose over a fast-closing Om.

Obviously was sent off the 7-2 favorite in the 14-horse field and paid $9.60 for finishing about 6 1/2 furlongs on Santa Anita Park’s firm downhill turf in 1:11.33.

Trained by Philip D’Amato and ridden for the first time by Flavien Prat, Obviously improved his career line to read 29-13-6-4 and has now banked $2,321,737 in lifetime earnings.

He adds the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint to eight other graded victories, including the 2013-14 editions of the Shoemaker Mile (G1). The bay gelding also boasts eight stakes placings, including the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Mile and last year’s Woodbine Mile (G1).

Bred in Ireland by Miss Deidre Cogan, Obviously is out of the Montjeu mare Leala. He comes from the same black-type rich female family as multiple Grade 1 victor Hawkster.

Obviously photo courtesy of Lauren J. Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com

BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT QUOTES

Flavien Prat, jockey Obviously, winner

“I got a good trip. He didn't break well  like he does every time but when I sent him and he got the lead he got comfortable. I asked him before the dirt and he went on. He got a little tired but the wire was there.”

Phil D’Amato, trainer Obviously, winner

“This is tremendous. A (first Breeders' Cup) win for me and for my old boss Mike Mitchell, who had the horse before me.”

Gary Stevens, jockey Om, second

“He got wiped out leaving the gate, which he did to himself, and it was a tough beat. He broke completely sideways from the gate and he had to overcome a lot. Almost got it done.”

Dan Hendricks, trainer Om, second

“He missed the break slightly and had to make up a lot of ground on a really good horse. We can't be prouder.”

Christophe Clement, trainer Pure Sensation, third

“I’m happy with our race except for the final result.  He got a perfect ride and ran his race.  We were unfortunately third best today.”