The 20th Running of the G2 San Diego Handicap
Saturday, July 30, 2022
DMR Race #6 $300.000
3+ Handicap Weights 11/16
Track/Stakes Record-1:39.81 (Fab Four-2012)
Hard Discretion had to tote more weight than his seven rivals but he proved the impost was a non-factor as he wore down Funny Cide to post a half-length victory in the G2 San Diego Handicap on Saturday at DMR. The G2 San Diego is the first victory this season for Hard Discretion, and the first G2 tally of his career. The TwinTowersRacing-trainee has now won $495.000 in a 19-6-2-4 race career.
Breaking from stall two, Hard Discretion got away with the final flight of horses and quickly took up the rail position left open by a loose-on-the-lead Funny Cide. He took advantage of that good fortune as he moved a bit closer while hugging the woodwork around the clubhouse turn, and he was just behind the stalking group of three horses as Funny Cide posted a snappy :23.37 opening quarter-mile.
Going down the backside, the eventual winner was still five lengths behind as Funny Cide posted :46.69 for the opening half. Hard Discretion moved off of the rail shortly after hitting the turn, but he still had a five-length deficit as Funny Cide posted three-quarters in 1:10.11. The deficit remained the same as they entered the stretch; however, Hard Discretion was begiining to quicken his pace.
Funny Cide’s advantage was down to three lengths with a furlong to go, but the only question remained was if Hard Discretion would try to pass his rival on the inside or outside. Despite Funny Cide drifting out slightly, J.R. Velazquez took no chances and moved his mount out another path to commence his final rally. The leader was ultra game though, and Hard Discretion didn’t complete the pass until they were inside the final forty yards; however, he was a half-length clear as he hit the wire in 1:40.91. Funny Cide held the place and finished about a length in front of a three-horse photo finish. The judges determined Higher Drift just got his nose down to take the show from the DH-duo of Bring The Pain and Day Of Black. Splash Mountain, Ricki Tikki Tavi, and Worthington Springs completed the order of finish.
Congratulations to Hard Discretion and TwinTowersRacing on their victory in the G2 San Diego Handicap!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
