For Immediate Release: Saturday, September 12, 2015

CAGE FIGHTER ROLLS TO VICTORY IN PTHA PRESIDENT’S CUP

Matt Schera’s Cage Fighter enjoyed a perfect pace stalking trip, ran past front runner Chamois turning for home and then drew away for a solid two length win in the $200,000 PTHA President’s Cup Saturday afternoon at Parx. It was the first stakes victory for the five year-old son of Closing Argument and pushed his career earnings to nearly $350,000.

With heavy rains Thursday leaving the turf course in “good” condition for the one mile and one-eighth test, the original field of eight turned into just four runners. Under John Bisono, Chamois broke best and led the way out of the nine furlong turf chute while winning jockey Joshua Navarro, sitting outside of Chamois, had a chance to put his horse just off the outside flank of the leader. The 3-2 race favorite, multiple G3 winner Divine Oath took a spot following Cage Fighter, while Margano, the longest price of the four landed down inside, covered up behind the leader. Not much changed as the quartet made its way around the clubhouse turn and negotiated their way down the backstretch. Over the good going, the fractions were moderate, an opening quarter in 25.2 with a half in 51.2.

The real running started on the far turn. Navarro sent Cage Fighter after Chamois who battled until they came off the final turn, at which point it was clear that Cage Fighter was the stronger horse. Divine Oath had followed Cage Fighter the entire way and now tried to sprint past him in the final furlong. He never really threatened. Cage Fighter took a clear lead past the eighth pole and by mid-stretch had opened a solid length and a half advantage. Divine Oath was full out, could not gain and watched as Cage Fighter continue to edge away all the way to the finish.

Off as no better than 2-1 third choice in the field of four, Cage Fighter, trained by James Lawrence II, paid $6.00, 2.60 and 2.10. Divine Oath followed the winner throughout but was clearly second best and paid 2.40 and 2.10. Margano (5-1) got past Chamois late for third and paid 2.20. The final time over the course labeled good was 1:53.3.