Disco Partner repeats in G2 Jaipur Invitational

by Jon Forbes

Disco Partner employed an inexorable stretch charge to win the Grade 2, $400,000 Jaipur Invitational for 4-year-olds and up for the second straight year on Saturday at Belmont Park.

The Jaipur, a six-furlong dash contested over the Widener turf course, is a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint on November 3 at Churchill Downs.

Looking to regain winning form following a pair of third-place finishes, Disco Partner settled in the two path in fifth early as his stablemate Pure Sensation cleared on the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 22.16 seconds. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. hooked Disco Partner to the outside following a half in 44.03, and the tandem reeled in the front runners and took charge 40 yards from the wire en route to a one-length victory.

Disco Partner, a 6-year-old son of Disco Rico, returned $5.10 for a $2 win wager as the 3-2 favorite. He completed six furlongs in 1:06.74. He set a world record when winning last year's Jaipur in 1:05.67.

"Basically, everything worked out great," said trainer Christophe Clement, who won the Jaipur for the third straight year and fourth time overall. "He was a bit closer to the pace today. [Pure Sensation] actually ran a great race because he grabbed a quarter pretty bad and still managed to finish third."

Patricia Generazio is the owner and breeder of both Disco Partner and Pure Sensation, winner of the 2016 Jaipur.

"My first feeling when you win these kind of races, it's a great credit to Mr. and Mrs. Genarazio," said Clement. "They have a wonderful program and they are great owners and breeders to work for. I'm just a lucky guy to train those kind of horses."

Disco Partner improved his record to 10-4-4 in 23 starts, including five wins in eight starts on turf at Belmont. He entered the Jaipur off thirds in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in November at Del Mar and the Grade 2 Shakertown on soft turf April 7 at Keeneland. The $220,000 winner's share of the Jaipur purse pushed his career earnings into the seven figures at $1,153,810.

Pocket Change was fifth and was followed home by Stormy Liberal, Blind Ambition, and Frisky Magician.