D’Amato Makes History at Santa Anita Park with Carpe Vinum’s Training Record

Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet: Phil D’Amato Breaks Single-Season Victory Record

Phil D’Amato, the renowned horse trainer, has not only secured the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet training title but has also smashed the single-season meet record for victories. On Friday, D’Amato claimed his record 57th win of the 74-day Winter/Spring Meet with Carpe Vinum crossing the finish line 2 ¼-lengths ahead in the day’s featured race.

Carpe Vinum Seizes Victory, Establishing a New Record

Carpe Vinum, ridden by Ramon Vazquez, achieved her first win in nearly two years, simultaneously propelling trainer Phil D’Amato to the new Santa Anita Park Winter/Spring Meet training record. The victory surpassed Doug O’Neill’s previous mark of 56 wins set in 2006-2007. In fact, D’Amato had already equaled O’Neill’s record earlier in the day when Ma France triumphed in Friday’s first race. O’Neill, who holds a prominent position on the opposite side of the country, was preparing Hot Rod Charlie for the Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park on Saturday.

In an interview with Santa Anita’s Mike Willman, D’Amato expressed his elation at achieving this milestone, saying, “It’s a great feeling. I wasn’t expecting it or counting the wins, but it’s just a testament to all my people. A total team effort.” D’Amato credited the collective effort of his team for the record-breaking victory.

Race Analysis: Carpe Vinum’s Triumph

In the one-mile allowance race, Carpe Vinum strategically positioned herself in fifth place, closely following a quick early pace set by long shot Super Game. Maintaining a five-length gap, jockey Ramon Vazquez skillfully guided the 5-year-old mare to the outside as they entered the far turn. Approaching the final quarter-mile, Vazquez smoothly maneuvered three wide, opening up space for Carpe Vinum to exhibit her strength. With only a sixteenth of a mile remaining, she overtook Freedom Flyer, crossing the finish line in a respectable time of 1:34.55.

Reflecting on Carpe Vinum’s performance, trainer D’Amato remarked, “She had a nice set-up today. Ramon got her to the outside where she likes to be. She’s just a very steady-going filly. We’ve been slowly inching forward with her, and hopefully, we can challenge her in a stake race down at Del Mar.”

The Triumph of Carpe Vinum: Betting Insights

Carpe Vinum, priced at 7/2 as the second choice, rewarded her backers with a payout of $9.60 for a win bet. The mare also offered returns of $4 and $3.20 for place and show bets, respectively. Notably, this victory marked Carpe Vinum’s first win in 12 starts, since her allowance optional claiming victory in July 2020 at Del Mar. Quattroelle made an impressive rally from last place, securing second by a whisker ahead of Freedom Flyer at the wire. The race’s favorite, Javanica at 2/1 odds, failed to perform and finished fifth out of the seven contenders.

Carpe Vinum, a daughter of the late Giant’s Causeway, has a commendable track record of 3 wins, 1 second-place finish, and 4 third-place finishes in a total of 16 starts. The mare has accumulated career earnings of $180,018.

Phil D’Amato’s Dominance: Leading the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet

As the Winter/Spring Meet draws to a close, Phil D’Amato has exhibited an exceptional display of dominance as a horse trainer. Prior to Friday’s record-breaking victory, D’Amato already held a commanding 16-race lead over second-place Doug O’Neill. With a total of 55 wins, D’Amato has established himself as the leader of the pack. Not only has he celebrated numerous victories, but he has also topped the earnings chart with an impressive $4,848,704. Additionally, D’Amato boasts 15 stakes wins, further solidifying his reign as one of the most successful trainers in the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet.

Conclusion

Phil D’Amato’s latest triumph with Carpe Vinum marks a significant milestone in his career as a trainer, breaking the single-season meet record for victories at the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet. His dedication, expertise, and the collective effort of his team have propelled him to this remarkable achievement. Carpe Vinum’s tactical victory showcases the exceptional training skills of D’Amato and his ability to bring out the best in his horses. As the Winter/Spring Meet concludes, D’Amato solidifies his position at the top, leading in wins, earnings, and stakes victories. His remarkable success serves as an inspiration to aspiring trainers and a testament to the world of horseracing.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who previously held the single-season meet record for victories at the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet?

The previous record for victories at the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet was held by Doug O’Neill, who achieved 56 wins during the 2006-2007 season.

2. How did Carpe Vinum perform in her previous races?

Prior to her win at the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet, Carpe Vinum endured an 11-race losing streak since her last victory in an allowance optional claiming race in July 2020 at Del Mar. However, with an impressive display of strength and strategy, Carpe Vinum triumphed in the featured race, securing a well-deserved win.

3. How many wins has Phil D’Amato accumulated in the Winter/Spring Meet?

Phil D’Amato has amassed a staggering 57 wins during the Winter/Spring Meet, surpassing the previous single-season record and establishing himself as the leading trainer in the meet.

4. What is Carpe Vinum’s pedigree?

Carpe Vinum is a daughter of the late stallion Giant’s Causeway, who was renowned for producing exceptional racehorses. Her lineage contributes to her racing prowess and serves as a testament to her breeding.

5. What are Phil D’Amato’s plans for Carpe Vinum in future races?

Following Carpe Vinum’s impressive win, Phil D’Amato expressed his intention to explore stake races with her at Del Mar. With a gradual progress in her performance, D’Amato aims to further challenge Carpe Vinum against strong competition and showcase her abilities in higher-level races.

Picture of Doug I. Jones

Doug I. Jones

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons the all tetur adiscing elit