Gomo Wins Darley Alcibiades In Slop
Keeneland’s opening day was soured by rain, but that did not stop Gomo from capturing the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades. Her victory gave her points towards the Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard, but also clinched a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at the end of October.
Put Da Blame On Me was intent on getting the lead early with Ma Can Do It was up close as well. Gomo, as expected, clung close to the rail to save ground and her coveted spot behind the leaders. Little Cherie was fourth, Marquee Miss was fifth, Just Wicked was sixth, and Lookout Sister was seventh. Dream Dance was eight early while Dothraki Queen was ninth, but the first nine horses were within 5 lengths of each other. Princess Kennedy was last of ten, but only 7 lengths behind the leader.
Put Da Blame On Me continued to lead the way and set fractions of 24.34 for the first quarter, 49.43 for the opening half mile, and 1:14.10 for the first six furlongs. Ma Can Do It was content to sit in second while Gomo continued to sit in a great spot. The rest of the field continued to be bunched up, but all plenty of chances to make an impact.
On the far turn, Gomo was switched out from the rail to the outside and she began to motor past the top two. She kicked on home to win by 2 3/4 lengths while Dothraki Queen closed up the inside to finish second. Ma Can Do It was third and Put Da Blame On Me held on to finish fourth.
The remaining order of finish was Dream Dance in fifth, Just Wicked sixth, Marquee Miss seventh, Little Cherie eighth, Princess Kennedy ninth, and Lookout Sister in tenth. Decked Out was scratched from the race and the entire chart can be found here via Equibase.
Gomo ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.55 and went off at 5-1. She paid $12.60 to win, $6.00 to place, and $4.00 to show. She is by Uncle Mo out of the Elusive Quality mare Gentle Audrey. She was ridden by Mario Gutierrez and trained by Doug O’Neill.
For the win, Gomo received 10 points towards the Kentucky Oaks Points Leaderboard. Dothraki Queen earned four points to bring her total to 14 points and she is the current leader early on in the Road to the Oaks. Ma Can Do It received her first two points, and Dream Dance her earned her first point.
The Road to the 2016 Kentucky Oaks continues on Saturday with the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes from Belmont Park. That race will be run at a mile on the main dirt track and a preview can be found here on Saturday morning.
