Koichi Nishikawa’s unbeaten Cafe Pharoah scored his third win in as many starts, taking Sunday’s $630,772, Gr. III Unicorn Stakes at Tokyo Race Course by five lengths. The 3-year-old colt by American Pharoah, leader of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, moved to the pacesetters on the turn, took the lead after turning for home, then drew away smartly in the final furlong when asked for his best, running the 1600 meters in a stakes record 1:34.90. Trained by Noriyuki Hori, he has earned $580,000 USD to date. Consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, to the 2019 OBS March Sale, he was sold for $475,000 to Narvick International, Agent, after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :21 1/5. 

    Gaining Ground Racing LLC’s Factor This went to the front at the start of Saturday’s $200,000, Gr. II Wise Dan Stakes at Churchill Downs, and refused to yield, turning back an early challenge, opening daylight in the lane, then holding off a late charge to score by a neck. That’s three straight graded stakes wins for the 5-year-old gelding by The Factor, purchased for $11,000 out of the Niall Brennan Stables consignment at the 2017 OBS April Sale after breezing an eighth in :10 1/5 at the Under Tack Show. Now 29-10-3-4 for trainer Brad Cox, he has earned $844,070 to date comments powered by Disqus