Horse Racing Icon Dr. Schivel Secures Victory in Heart-Stopping $200,000 Grade 2 Stakes Race

The Santa Anita Sprint Championship is a prestigious Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race, open to horses aged three years old or older. This thrilling race is an annual highlight on the horse racing calendar, held on 30th September at the iconic Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. One of the most appealing aspects of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship is its substantial purse, currently set at an impressive $200,000.

Dr. Schivel, the 5-year-old sensation, clinched victory in the $200,000 in this champion (G2) on a wet-fast track. He was expertly guided by jockey Juan Hernandez and trained by Mark Glatt. His impressive win against Grade 1 contenders like Arabian Lion and Speed Boat Beach underscores his undeniable talent and potential.

Dr. Schivel’s Brave Battle

In the 2023 Santa Anita Sprint Championship, Dr. Schivel delivered a captivating performance that showcased his determination and skill on the racetrack. Returning $6.80 for the win, he completed the challenging six-furlong race in a time of 1:08.49. The wet fast track conditions added an extra layer of complexity, but Dr. Schivel rose to the occasion.

Juan Hernandez said, ?He broke a step slow but, after the first sixteenth, he got me there. He recovered really well, I was tracking the leaders and that was the plan because this track today, it’s pretty fast so you don’t want to be too far back. Plan A came out perfect, I just was waiting for something to come through. Around the turn, I saw a little bit of space inside on the rail, so I asked him to get into that position. He was really game today. He was fighting.”

The thrilling aspect of the race was the closely contested battle. Dr. Schivel faced stiff competition from Speed Boat Beach, who had led briefly in the early stretch. However, Dr. Schivel’s determination and resolve proved too strong, and he surged ahead to claim victory, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Juan Hernandez said ?He was really brave. He’s a really professional horse. Mark Glatt brought him ready today. When I asked him to pick it up and to open up, he did.”

This remarkable win not only solidified Dr. Schivel’s reputation as a formidable sprinter but also positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Dr. Schivel: Horse Racing Comeback

In 2021, he captured the Santa Anita Sprint Championship with ease, showcasing his speed and talent. Despite missing a significant portion of 2022, Dr. Schivel made a strong comeback in his 2023 debut, winning a classified allowance race going six furlongs. He then faced stiff competition in the Metropolitan (G1) at Belmont Park, finishing fifth behind Cody’s Wish.

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However, he proved his mettle by clinching third place, just a neck behind the winner, in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar, demonstrating his consistency and determination.

Mark Glatt said, “The whole plan was to take the same path we did in 2021 and it worked really well that year. It was within an inch of working terrific, but you know I think these sprinters want to run a little fresh and at the same time I like the four weeks out from the Breeders’ Cup. Four or five weeks. He got a good race under his belt.?

With his Santa Anita Sprint Championship win, Dr. Schivel’s overall record now stands at 7 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds from 14 starts. The $120,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted his lifetime earnings to an impressive $1,327,100.

Dr. Schivel’s thrilling win in the 2023 Santa Anita Sprint Championship solidified his reputation as a top-notch sprinter and positioned him as a strong Breeders’ Cup Sprint contender. With 7 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds from 14 starts and earnings of $1,327,100, he is a standout in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing.

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