A couple of weeks ago I posted about City Chapel, a three year old gelding by Chapel Royal that was claimed by Owner / Trainer Victor Trujillo out of Race 5 on August 26 at Golden Gate Fields; a race in which City Chapel had competed at Post Time odds of 29.8-1. Saturday, City Chapel made his first start for the Trujillo barn, moving up from the $4k Claiming (NW2L) level into a $12.5k Claiming (NW2L) event. Saturday's race also represented a change of distance and surface for City Chapel, as he stretched out from six to eight and a half furlongs, and exchanged the synthetic main track for some California grass.
City Chapel left the gate at Post Time odds of 30.3-1, and was seventh after the first half mile. City Chapel was still seventh, six lengths back, at the top of the stretch; and, in the words of the chart caller, "came on too late", finishing fifth, three and three quarter lengths behind the winner, Post Time favorite Janero.
Unfortunately for Victor Trujillo, the fifth place finish Saturday was worth the same $260 in purse money as a last place finish would have been; but at least he doesn't have to pay out the trainer's share to anyone. On the positive side, Trujillo was able to move City Chapel several rungs up the class ladder and still have him finish mid-pack; indeed, this was the highest level of competition City Chapel has faced in his career. So maybe Trujillo was right to see something in this gelding that the public and City Chapel's prior connections did not. Time will tell; and I'll be keeping an eye on this story to see how it plays out.
For those interested, the Equibase chart of the race is available here; while the DRF version of events may be viewed here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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