Ridden by Andrew Ramgeet, the favored Chief Cicatriz ($3.60) went right for the lead and was joined by Chief Lion until the quarter pole. It was then Ramgeet got the 5-year-old Munnings’ gelding to switch leads and the race was as good as over.
“I didn’t even have to crack him with the whip,” said Ramgeet. “He did it all on his own.”
Chief Cicatriz was 4 ½ lengths clear of the closers Leadem in Ken with Aristocratic third in the compact field of six older horses. Chief Lion tired to finished fourth.
Owned by Roy Evans and trained by Shawn Davis, Chief Cicatriz covered the 6-furlongs in 1:07.95 for his seventh win in nine starts, and now with the winner’s share of $46,035 has career earnings of $211,721.
The other two horses to have registered consecutive year wins were Absolutely Cool (2015, 2014) and Answer Do (1992, 1991)
$30,000 Sun City Handicap
Paddy’s Secret ($16.00) and Daniel Vargara took the lead, then lost it, then repeated the dance but in the end had the lead at the finish to edge out Comet Sixty Two by a half-length with Detail third in the field of eight fillies and mares.
Owned by Mike Boldue Paddy’s Secret covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:35.78 for trainer Frank Lucarelli while earning $18,042 for her fourth win in 11 outings for career earnings of $58,995.
$30,000 Turf Paradise Handicap
Longshot Born in Breeze ($30.60) came out on the winning end of a four-horse photo finish by a head over Way Striking, who was second a neck in front of High Security in the field of nine older horses.
Owned and trained by Tony Rycroft and ridden by Ismael Mosqueira, Born in a Breeze covered the 1 1/16 miles over turf in 1:41.41. It was the sixth win in 21 efforts for Born in a Breeze who now has earnings of $269,900.