Edict Back in the Spotlight in New York, Finishes Second

The Argentine champion returned to Aqueduct and was caught late in the Athenia S. (L) by favored Whiskey Decision

SOUTH OZONE PARK, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Argentine champion Edict (Il Campione {Chi}) came within strides of her first U.S. victory Sunday at Belmont at the Big A, only to be collared late by heavily favored Whiskey Decision (Into Mischief), who gave trainer Chad Brown his 10th career win in the $150,000 Athenia S. (L, 9f, inner turf)—and his sixth straight in the race.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, Whiskey Decision settled comfortably behind the early pace set in turns by Edict, Spinning Colors (Hard Spun) and Moonage Daydream (Candy Ride {Arg}). When the field straightened, the Brown trainee unleashed a decisive outside rally, pulling clear by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:48.60. Edict, digging in gamely under Kendrick Carmouche, held off multiple challengers for second, while Awesome Czech (Mendelssohn) was another half-length back in third. Spinning Colors and Moonage Daydream completed the order of finish.

Formerly trained by Arnaud Delacour, Whiskey Decision announced herself with a score in the Christiana S. (L) at Delaware Park. Since joining Brown’s barn, she has now taken two of three, including the GIII Eatontown S. at Monmouth in June. Her record stands at 10-5-0-0, with earnings boosted by another $82,500 for owners Fred W. Hertrich III and John D. Fielding.

For Argentine connections, the day was highlighted by Edict’s resurgence. Bred at Haras El Paraíso, the 5-year-old had failed to show her best form during the Saratoga meet, but found herself much more at ease at Aqueduct.

“I was able to get her to relax, and she was comfortable the whole way,” said Carmouche. “I always felt I had horse under me and that we were in the perfect spot. I thought we were going to win—she ran a really good race.”

Trainer David Donk echoed the sentiment: “I wanted her to get back on track and today she did. She’s an energetic mare, and Saratoga wasn’t the right environment for her with all the commotion in the paddock. At Aqueduct she’s much calmer, and it showed. Kendrick gave her a great ride—she was second best, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Representing John and Theresa Behrendt’s Triple Alliance, Edict confirmed she belongs at this level, and hopes remain high that her breakthrough U.S. victory is only a matter of time.