Nakatomi Finally Triumphs in Phoenix Stakes, Earns Breeders’ Cup Sprint Berth
This victory was particularly meaningful for trainer Wesley A.Ward,who has long targeted the Phoenix Stakes. “I’ll tell you, this is a race that I’ve been coveting for a long, long time,” Ward stated. “It’s a sprint race, which predominantly, has been the focus of the majority of my career.We’ve been trying to get it done and to have it, to finally have it, it’s just gratifying.” Ward noted the significance of Nakatomi being the first horse to celebrate in Keeneland’s new winner’s circle, located beside the paddock and formerly used as the “rider’s up” area.
The Phoenix Stakes holds significant weight as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re in race, granting nakatomi a fees-paid entry into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), another 6-furlong contest. Nakatomi has previously competed in the Sprint, achieving a third-place finish in 2023 and a sixth-place finish last year. Ward expressed optimism about this year’s Sprint, particularly with the momentum from his Phoenix victory.
“Going over there to Del Mar with that short stretch that they have,it’s going to take a fast early pace up front,and he’ll have to come running.So everything will have to fall our way,” Ward explained. “But the horse is feeling good and is doing well. With an older, seasoned, sound horse like him; hopefully we get lucky.”
owned by Qatar Racing, LLC (Sheikh Fahad Al Thani) and Mrs. Fitri Hay, Nakatomi has now amassed earnings exceeding $1.97 million. The horse’s pedigree highlights the strength of his lineage, with Firing Line currently standing at Crestwood Farm for a stud fee of $5,000 in 2024.
The journey to the winner’s circle has been a testament to Nakatomi’s resilience and value. He was purchased for $205,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Horses of Racing Age Sale by his current owners, consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent. Prior to that, he changed hands for $25,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale and $18,000 at the 2019 Keeneland November Yearling Sale.
The race itself saw a dynamic start, with Skelly, under jockey Luis Saez, initially taking the lead after a slightly troubled break. Skelly set a brisk pace, opening a 2-length advantage through a half-mile in :45.08, but ultimately faded to last. Durante, owned and trained by David Jacobson, seized the possibility, taking a 2-length lead in midstretch before being narrowly overtaken by Nakatomi. Whatchatalkinabout, also trained by Ward, finished third, 3 lengths behind Durante.
Jacobson acknowledged Nakatomi’s superior performance. “He got beat by a little bit better horse today,” he conceded, adding that he woudl consider the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for Durante. Ward also expressed hope that Whatchatalkinabout could qualify for the Sprint.
Nakatomi’s victory in the Phoenix Stakes not only secures his place in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint but also marks a significant milestone for Keeneland with the inaugural use of its new stakes winner’s circle. Watch Wesley Ward discuss Nakatomi’s return to top form: Watch: Ward Says Nakatomi is Back In Top Form.
