Even at age 8, Gold Phoenix continues to be the gold standard in the long-distance turf division in Southern California.
Rebounding from a seventh-place finish in the San Marcos Stakes (G3T) when racing 1 1/4 miles, the veteran campaigner returned to form when stretched out to 1 1/2 miles, outrunning Flashiest and Mondego in the $101,500 San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T) March 21 at Santa Anita Park.
Rallying from seventh with a bid on the final turn behind splits of :49.56, 1:14.61, and 1:39.95, Gold Phoenix surged three wide under Hector Berrios and gradually wore down Flashiest by three-quarters of a length. He raced 1 1/2 miles on firm turf in 2:26.79, returning $8.40 for a $2 win wager.
Longtime leader Flashiest held second ahead of third-place Mondego.
The San Luis Rey was the 11th victory in 31 starts for Gold Phoenix, and his ninth at the graded level. Four times he has won the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) at 1 3/8 miles on grass, and he has similarly competed four times in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at 1 1/2 miles, outrunning many of his American-trained counterparts. He ran fifth in the Breeders' Cup last fall at Del Mar.
The San Luis Rey was his first win in two starts in 2026.
Gold Phoenix, a Belardo gelding bred by Mighty Universe in Ireland and trained by Phil D'Amato, races for owners Agave Racing Stable, Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, and Marsha Naify.
