Courtesy of the TDN
1–GAYEGO, 122, c, 4, Gilded Time–Devils Lake (SW,
$103,785), by Lost Code. ($32,000 yrl ’06 KEESEP).
O-Godolphin Racing LLC; B-Hargus & Sandra Sexton
(KY); T-Saeed bin Suroor. Lifetime Record: GSW-US
& UAE, 10-5-2-0, $799,620.
2–Digger, 120, g, 5, Yonaguska–Da Choice, by Dehere.
3–Tend, 118, c, 4, Dynaformer–Liable, by Seeking the
Gold.
Margins: 1, 1 1/4, 1. Odds: 0.75, 2.30, 11.80.
Gayego, off since running second in the G2 Godolphin Mile Mar. 28, made a triumphant return to the U.S. The four-year-old was runner-up to Georgie Boy (Tribal Rule) in the GII San Felipe S. in March of his sophomore year, then followed up with a 3/4-length tally in the GII Arkansas Derby in April. The wheels came off in both the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness and he was shelved until the fall. A disappointing seventh when returning to sprints in the Damascus S. at Santa Anita in late October, he got back on track with a sharp confidence-boosting score in a Hollywood optional claimer in November that established a new track record for 6 1/2 furlongs (1:13.37). That would be his last start with trainer Paulo Lobo, as Gayego was purchased privately by trainer A.C. Avila, who then resold the colt to Godolphin. Making his first start wearing the famous blue silks, Gayego beat Big City Man (Northern Afleet) and Diabolical (Artax) in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal at Nad Al Sheba Mar. 5, but could do no better than second to Two Step Salsa (Petionville) in the Godolphin Mile 23 days later. Off since, Gayego was hammered down to odds-on favoritism and didn’t disappoint. He rated toward the back of a tightly packed group, made an ominous three-wide move on the turn, lost a bit of momentum turning into the stretch, but was along in plenty of time.
