Monday, December 29, 2014 |
Divine Oath capped off a terrific season with a half length score in the $100,000 W. L. McKnight H. (G3), going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Gulfstream on Saturday. It marked his third graded stakes win of the year and boost his career earning to $416,890 (VIDEO).
Sent of as the third choice at 4-to-1, Divine Oath and jockey Javier Castellano were away well from post position 13. Surveying the field through an opening quarter mile in 25.42, Castellano was content to race a bit wide early. As they raced past the grandstand, Divine Oath settled nicely and Castellano was able to secure a great spot some five lengths off the lead.
Relatively unchanged down the backstretch, Divine Oath travelled well through a mile in 1:44.38. With pressure coming from Unitarian (2) and Slumber (6), Divine Oath was given his cue and ranged up nicely three-wide around the far turn to challenge the leaders.
Coming out of the turn, Castellano and Divine Oath gained the lead with Margano (14) to their inside. Set down for the stretch drive, Divine Oath took command and edged clear opening up a comfortable length on the field inside the 1/8 pole and holding off a fast closing Fixador (5) at the wire (CHART).
Divine Oath earned a career best 97 Beyer Speed Figure.