The prestigious Mathis Mile, a Grade 2 event with a $200,000 purse, is set to kick off the 90th anniversary season at Santa Anita Park. Among the contenders, King of Gosford stands out as the leading favorite, aiming to secure his fourth stakes victory this year. The race will feature nine talented three-year-olds competing on turf, each vying for supremacy in this historic event. King of Gosford, trained by Phil D’Amato, has demonstrated remarkable consistency, most recently finishing second in the Hollywood Derby. Meanwhile, Stay Hot and Atitlan pose significant challenges, bringing their own impressive pedigrees and recent performances to the table.
Battle of Experience: King of Gosford's Journey to the Top
King of Gosford, bred in England and now under the guidance of trainer Phil D’Amato, has rapidly risen through the ranks. This colt has already secured three stakes wins this year, including victories in the John Shear Mile and Desert Code Stakes at Santa Anita. His latest performance saw him narrowly miss the top spot in the Hollywood Derby, finishing just behind the winner. With Flavien Prat, one of the top jockeys, back in the saddle, King of Gosford aims to reclaim his winning form in the Mathis Mile. The horse’s overall record of 14 starts with five wins, two seconds, and two thirds underscores his potential.
King of Gosford's journey began in Ireland, where he competed in four races before making his mark in the United States. Since then, he has accumulated earnings of nearly $400,000, highlighting his consistent performance. The Mathis Mile represents a crucial opportunity for the colt to add another prestigious title to his resume. Owned by a consortium of stakeholders, including Benowitz Family Trust and CYBT, King of Gosford enters this race with high expectations. The team hopes that his experience and proven track record will propel him to victory once again. Flavien Prat, who previously guided King of Gosford to a win in the Let It Ride Stakes, believes the colt is primed for another stellar performance.
Rising Competition: Stay Hot and Atitlan Ready to Challenge
Stay Hot and Atitlan are two formidable opponents standing in King of Gosford's way. Stay Hot, trained by Peter Eurton, has shown exceptional form, particularly in the La Jolla Stakes, where he bested King of Gosford. This horse boasts an impressive record, including victories in the Pasadena Stakes and Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita. Stay Hot's versatility and competitive spirit make him a serious contender in the Mathis Mile. Under the guidance of new rider Juan Hernandez, Stay Hot aims to replicate his earlier successes and challenge for the top spot.
Atitlan, trained by John Shirreffs, brings his own set of credentials to the race. After securing his first stakes win in the Twilight Derby, Atitlan attempted the Hollywood Derby but fell short. Despite this setback, the colt remains a strong competitor with a solid record of six starts, two wins, and two seconds. Regular rider Hector Berrios will be aboard Atitlan, providing continuity and confidence. Both Stay Hot and Atitlan have earned substantial purses, with Stay Hot accumulating over $420,000 and Atitlan more than $214,000. These horses represent the rising talent in the field, ready to test the mettle of the seasoned King of Gosford.