EM DEL MAR

Finnegans Wake Prevails in Hollywood Turf Cup
By Jerry Bossert

Finnegans Wake recorded the biggest win of his career when he held off longshot Patrioticandproud to take the $251,250 Hollywood Turf Cup (gr. IIT) at Del Mar Race Course on the Thanksgiving Day card Nov. 27 (VIDEO).

Tenth in Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) Nov. 1 in his previous start, Finnegans Wake held off Patrioticandproud by a neck to win for the fourth time in his career from 25 starts. Owned by Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch, Finnegans Wake was bred in Kentucky by Jerry Crawford. The 5-year-old horse who has earned $825,375 is by Powerscourt—Boat's Ghost, by Silver Ghost.

The Pizza Man, the 2-1 favorite, took the lead from Little Jerry at the top of the stretch but was no match for the top two, holding on for third, beaten a length.

Racing seventh in the field of 10 after a mile was run, Finnegans Wake rallied along the rail turning for home under Victor Espinoza before tipping to the outside, prevailing in the final strides.

"It was a really fast pace, but I was happy with our position," said winning trainer Peter Miller. "Victor saved ground and didn't panic, just gave the horse a great ride. Our horse ran super and I'm really happy for the connections."

The final time for the 1 1/2 miles went in 2:27.35 over Del Mar's firm turf course. Finnegans Wake returned $9.80 to win, $5.80 to place, and $3.60 to show. Patrioticandproud paid $23 to place and $6.80 to show, while The Pizza Man paid $3 to show. Power Foot got up to be fourth and was followed by Little Jerry, Irish Surf, Bench Light, Holiday Star, Stoney Fleece, and Mystery Train.

Alakazan Alakazan was an early scratch by trainer Graham Motion.

"It was a little confusing out there on the backside," Espinoza said. "They didn't seem to know where they wanted to go; horses going in, going out. But I was patient with him. He felt good under me and when I got him outside, that was it. Then he really kicked. When he cut it loose, I knew we were good."

"It was a nice set up in front of me," said jockey Florent Geroux, who rode The Pizza Man. "The fractions were good. He fired, but we came up short. I'm discussing it with the owner and trainer. Maybe he wants a shorter distance; maybe I pulled the trigger too soon. I think today maybe I pulled the trigger too soon."

Earlier this year, Finnegans Wake won the Arlington Handicap (gr. IIIT) but dropped his last three decisions, including his 10th in Breeders' Cup Turf  when he was 5 1/2 lengths behind winner Main Sequence.