
Obviously Powers to Second Straight Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita
With reigning turf champion Wise Dan sidelined as he recovers from colic surgery, Obviously (IRE) capitalized and defended his title in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) with a one and a half length victory over a field of six rivals.
Trained by Philip D'Amato and ridden by regular rider Joe Talamo, the six-year-old Irish-bred son of Choisir (AUS) broke alertly and in his trademark style assumed command early. At one point he opened up a five length advantage and maintained comfortable over Summer Front, a Christophe Clement trainee who shipped in from New York. He completed the mile in 1:32.66 over a firm turf course.
Nine lifetime wins for Obviously in the California sunshine
Obviously remains the best turf horse on the West Coast and is a perfect two-for-two this year since he was fifth behind Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile. He has eleven wins from 20 lifetime starts, nine of which have come in California. He began his career in Ireland before making his United States debut in 2012.
Will likely get another shot at the champ in 2014 BC Mile
The end-of-the-year goal for the gelding will likely be the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita in the fall. Obviously has competed in the race twice and was third in 2012. The Breeders' Cup Mile remains the target for two-time Mile winner Wise Dan who is expected to resume full training in the coming weeks as he recovers from colic surgery, which he had in May.
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