NYRA/Chelsea Durand
Cat Feathers, a Saratoga-loving daughter of Catienus, won her second $75,000 Mrs. Ogden Phipps Stakes over National Fences at Saratoga on Thursday, delivering a strong performance at age six for owner-trainer Kate Dalton and pilot Bernie Dalton, the trainer’s husband.
Cat Feathers won the Phipps in 2012 on her way to becoming the National Steeplechase Association filly and mare champion and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders’ champion steeplechase horse. In both 2012 and 2013 she finished second in Saratoga’s Walter M. Jeffords Stakes. This year in the Phipps the dark bay mare went off as the second choice in the betting at odds of 4-1 in the field of seven – a far cry from the 23-1 chance she was given by bettors in 2012.
Settling in midpack in fifth, Cat Feathers jumped well saving ground near the cones in the early stages of the 2 1/16-mile race. After the first mile, she advanced a couple spots to gain third behind Kisser N Run and Brilliant.
Adam Coglianese
Gaining a narrow lead after the penultimate hurdle, Cat Feathers shook clear in the turn. She negotiated the last fence elegantly and opened up her lead to win by 3 3/4 lengths, stopping the clock at 3:49.74 after 2 1/16 miles over the firm grass. (VIDEO)
Rider Bernie Dalton said, “The race went according to plan. I kept her close. I moved sooner than I normally would just because [we went at a sensible pace]. I didn’t want [another horse] with a bigger turn of foot to come out quick. I kicked on from the second last [fence] home. She won very easy, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Kate Dalton said, “Bernie gave her a great ride, saved ground. She normally doesn’t like to be on the inside. I was a little concerned because she’s normally a [mare] who likes to come running from the outside. She was jumping really well and the opportunity came to go up for the lead, and he obviously took it. She ran well and I’m delighted with her.”
Dalton also commented on the special quality of Cat Feathers’ repeat victory. “It’s fantastic,” she said. “Any win in Saratoga is what you strive for, but to win something several times is just wonderful. It just sets a horse up to have a little bit more of a following. Any following we can get for steeplechasing is just great. She’s a really, really neat mare and I’m delighted she has some fans.”
Cat Feathers was bred by Happy Hill Farm, also the breeders of her first, second and third dam, and foaled at Sue and Gary Lundy’s Cedar Ridge Farm in Pine Plains. She is one of two winners out of Mistress Hemming, a daughter of Quiet American who was unplaced in three starts. Cat Feathers’ record over jumps now stands at two wins, three seconds and two thirds from 15 starts and she has earned $150,576.
Cat Feathers’ sire Catienus stands at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, LLC.
