Dicey Mo Chara following his San Gabriel victory (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Santa Anita Press Release
ARCADIA, Calif.— Dicey Mo Chara could go Grade I hunting following his half-length victory over stablemate Flashiest in the Grade II, $200,000 San Gabriel on opening day for trainer Leonard Powell.
The 4-year-old English-bred gelding collected his first stakes win in the San Gabriel when scoring as the 7-2 third choice under top jockey Juan Hernandez. It followed a string of minor awards at the graded-stakes level for Dicey Mo Chara, who in his previous three starts was fourth in the Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup, second in the Grade II John Henry Turf Championship and third in the Grade II Del Mar Handicap.
In addition to the $120,000 winner’s share of the San Gabriel purse, Dicey Mo Chara also earned an automatic bid to the Grade I, $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 28.
On Friday, Powell said the cross-country trip was under consideration for Dicey Mo Chara.
“It was only a few days ago, but he came out of the race in good order. We’re going to wait a few more days for a decision on whether he stays here or ships out of town. He’s got an invitation (to the Pegasus), so that’s an option,” Powell said.
Owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, Dicey Mo Chara now sports a record of 17-4-4-3 with $430,277 in earnings.
“He had been knocking on the door for a while, but had been getting some rough trips,” Powell said. “The other day was his day. He got a good trip, a good ride and was good enough to win it.”
