Fury Kapcori steps up in Santana Mile S.

Fury Kapcori posted the year’s best Beyer Speed Figure at a mile, winning the $75,000 Santana Mile S. at Santa Anita on Sunday (VIDEO).

The 4-year-old son of Tiznow posted a 107 Beyer, second highest up to a mile at any track this season. Fury Kapcori is also the seventh major stakes horse of 2014 for Tiznow, a group that includes Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful Strong Mandate, an Eclipse Award finalist last year, and Norumbega, a close second in the Grade 3 Skip Away S. on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Seeking his third win in as many starts at Santa Anita, Fury Kapcori chased the pace set by Appealing Tale before moving up to challenge for the lead on the outside entering the stretch. Appealing Tale proved tough in the lane, but the winner was even more so, edging away late while getting the distance in a quick 1:34.50 over a fast track.

“He broke very good, but I didn’t want to send him this time because I knew Victor (Espinoza, on Appealing Tale) would be trying for the lead,” said winning jockey Rafael Bejarano. “I was hoping to get him relaxed and he did on the first turn but after that he tried to run up on them a little and got into the bit. He just came running for me at the end.”  

Fury Kapcori is owned by Rick Awtrey, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro. The victory, worth $46,800, increased Fury Kapcori’s career earnings to $419,880, with an excellent record of 5-4-1 in 13 starts.

Fury Kapcori is out of the top-class producer Gin Running, whose previous foals include Fury Kapcori’s full brother Tizfiz, winner of the San Gorgonio H. (G2) and three other stakes; and Turf Paradise Derby winner Dixie Commander, by Dixie Union. The family also includes 1997 Horse of the Year Favorite Trick.