ITALIAN RULES TRIUMPHS
IN STINSON BEACH STAKES
Italian Rules outran Pleasure Grounds down the stretch to win the $65,300 Stinson Beach Stakes by one length Saturday at Golden Gate Fields.
It was the second victory in as many starts for Italian Rules, a California-bred son of Tribal Rule. Trained by Mark Glatt and ridden by Kyle Kaenel, Italian Rules won the six-furlong race for 3-year-olds in 1:09.56 on Golden Gate Fields’ new Tapeta racing surface, which remained fast despite the recent deluges.
Italian Rules raced in third behind speedsters Ican’tremember and Run Brother Run until the field hit the stretch. At that point, Kaenel angled Italian Rules off the rail and the gelding accelerated strongly upon seeing daylight.
Kaenel said the Stinson Beach unfolded just as he thought it would.
“Handicapping the race I saw Ican’tremember and Run Brother Run on the lead and us sitting behind them,” said Kaenel. “Both of those horses are really quick and their connections (trainers) like to have their horses placed up front.
“I was able to sit behind them and my horse was comfortable because those two were staying off the rail,” continued Kaenel. “My horse got a nice easy trip along the rail. He was happy, and when I swung him out and asked him to run he gave me everything he had. Everything played out in our favor.”
Italian Rules broke his maiden at Hollywood Park on Nov. 30 when he scored a front-running victory in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden allowance test. The second wagering choice in the Stinson Beach, Italian Rules paid $6.80.
Pleasure Grounds took second by a head over Saipan, who finished a head in front of Ican’tremember.
Italian Rules, owned by Nick Cafarchia, earned $39,600 for the victory.
Rain or shine, racing continues at Golden Gate Fields Sunday. Post time is 12:15 p.m.