Cutting back in distance proved no problem for Magic Cap Stables’ Fort Washington as the 6-year-old’s customary late run arrived just in time to win a thrilling four-horse photo in the $150,000 Canadian Turf Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park March 1.
In his last start, the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) Jan. 25, Fort Washington dropped to the back of the 12-horse field and rallied with a wide trip to finish fifth while beaten just 2 1/4 lengths. The same tactics were employed by jockey Junior Alvarado Saturday, but with only six rivals, he found much clearer sailing.
“He always shows up,” said trainer Shug McGaughey, who won his fourth Canadian Turf. “He ran a really good race in the Pegasus. He didn’t get beat that far. I’m optimistic when I bring him over here because I know he’s going to run his race, win or lose.”
While the son of War Front bided his time in last, favorites Silent Heart and Major Dude tracked pacesetting Stanley House through fractions of :23.65, :46.80, and 1:10.11.
The race appeared to be between those two as they took command and began to duel down the lane. However, Alvarado saved ground on the far turn and angled outside for the drive, hooking up with Irish Aces to shrink the margin with each stride.
Fort Washington’s momentum carried him to the first-place position by a nose over Major Dude. Silent Heart finished a neck behind in third, but a stewards’ inquiry was held on whether he impacted Irish Aces. Ultimately, no change was made.
Fort Washington completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:39.31 while paying $13.00 to win.
“I was probably a little farther back than I wanted to be. The track is playing very fast, but at the same time, I couldn’t make my horse do something he doesn’t want to do,” Alvarado said. “He’s such a trying horse. Last race he didn’t have the greatest trip and today it worked out much better.”
Bred in Kentucky by Joseph Allen and White Birch Farm, the son of War Front was a $260,000 purchase at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale. He is now a two-time grade 3 winner with career earnings of $574,922.
This story will be updated with a recap of the Honey Fox Stakes (G3T).
