Winston C rallies to take G1 New York Turf Writers Cup

by NYRA Press Office

Content to gallop along at the back of the pack through most of Thursday's Grade 1, $150,000 New York Turf Writers Cup, favored Winston C launched his trademark late rally after clearing the final hurdle and went on to pick up his second Grade 1 steeplechase win of the meet at Saratoga Race Course.

The 5-year-old gelded son of Rip Van Winkle, who won the A. P. Smithwick Memorial on July 25 at the Spa for Ed Swyer's Hudson River Farms, moved up into striking position under jockey Thomas Garner approaching the far turn and grabbed the lead from pacesetting All the Way Jose before drawing off for the 8 3/4-length victory.

"I had a very willing partner. The horse did everything right. I couldn't put him wrong, really. He's such an honest, classy little horse. I think there is a lot more to come from him. He's still improving," said Garner, who was aboard for the Smithwick.

In victory, Winston C became the first horse since Campanile in 1999 to sweep the Smithwick - Turf Writers double.

"It took a little pressure off, winning the Smithwick, but it [also] added a bit more pressure [because] the Turf Writers and Smithwick [haven't been swept] for a long time," said Garner. "It's definitely something I have enjoyed, especially winning the two, but it was all done by the horse. I was just a passenger."

Winston C completed the 2 ⅜ miles over a yielding course in 4:38.16 for his second victory in three North American starts this year, having finished third in the Marcellus Frost Championship Hurdle in May. Trained by Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard, Winston C returned $3.10 for a $2 win bet as the 1-2 favorite in the field of eight carrying 154 pounds, 10 more than in the Smithwick.

"Ten pounds is a pretty good shift but he was able to overcome it fairly easily," said Sheppard, who won the race for the 15th time and first since Italian Wedding in 2013. "They were just a tad closer earlier this time. It was probably a little slower pace and he was able to have some closer contact to the leaders.

"It never gets old. Each race is a new challenge. He's a very superior horse, I think. We just have to keep his trainer from messing up and we'll be in business."

Gibralfaro nosed out Belisarius for second. Checking in fourth was Hinterland, who was followed under the wire by All the Way Jose, Modem, No Wunder, and Peppay Le Pugh. Portrade was scratched.