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Argentinian Ordak Dan Wins 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf Entry

Sigi Mendoza
On May 27, 2015

Argentinian Ordak Dan Wins 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf Entry: Two years ago, Ordak Dan won the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo in San Isidro, Argentina, earning a spot to run in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Turf. Due to Ordak Dan’s great racing shape at that time, his connections made the decision to try their luck at Santa Anita. With high expectations, Ordak Dan prepped in Miami, but all hopes collapsed when the horse was injured in a workout. Sadly, the injury was worse than initially thought, and Ordak Dan spent a year and a half in recovery. Ordak Dan returned in November 2014 in handicap company with the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (GI) as his main goal; unfortunately, he disappointed in both his return and the Pellegrini. After that pair of flops, the horse started to improve, regained his shape, and reunited with victory in a race that seemed to fit him like a glove, the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo over 1½ miles on the turf on May 25, 2015 at Hipodromo de San Isidro in Argentina. The experienced Ordak Dan won the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo by 1½ lengths and again won his way into this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland on Saturday, October 31, 2015.

The experienced Ordak Dan won the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo by 1½ lengths and again won his way into this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland on Saturday, October 31, 2015. Photo: Prensa HSI

The Gran Premio 25 de Mayo started with Forever Sale setting the pace in slow fractions with Quiz Kid and Giacom not far behind. The race continued with Forever Sale two lengths ahead while the compact field just followed him, waiting for the right moment to attack. When the horses entered the stretch, Forever Sale could not resist the late run of the field and faded, at which point Quiz Kid momentarily took the lead. In the middle of the stretch, several runners had a chance to win the race, but Ordak Dan prevailed and won the race. After some trip troubles, the favorite Alma de Acero came from the clouds to finish second, although he never threatened the winner. Oregon was third, and Quiz Kid finished in fourth.

Ordak Dan, a six–year–old son of Hidden Truth (USA) out of Duna Ter (ARG) by Sir Chester (ARG), is ridden by the Brazilian Jorge Ricardo, trained by J.C Etchechoury Jr., and owned by Caballeriza Misterio. Ordak Dan clocked 2:27.14 for 1½ miles, a time highlighted by a nice :23.53 for the last furlong.

Ordak Dan is a proven router with a lot of heart, and fortunately, life is giving him another chance to travel to the United States to participate in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Now, the decision of whether or not to ship him in for the race is up to his connections, a decision that will not be taken lightly due to the injury the horse suffered in the past.

Gran Premio 25 de Mayo 2015 Replay: