HIDING IN HONDURAS - Mathis Mile G2 - Benoit Photo
Making just his third start, Hiding in Honduras enjoyed a ground-saving trip under Antonio Fresu and nailed pacesetter Tempus Volat on the wire to win the Grade II, $200,000 Mathis Mile for 3-year-olds on turf on Opening Day at Santa Anita Park Sunday.
Hiding in Honduras (9-1), trained by Jonathan Thomas for owner Robert LaPenta, won by a head in a time of 1:35.13 following fractions of 23.35, 47.63 and 1:12.31 set by Tempus Volat (5-1) and Mirco Demuro. Namaron, the heavy 1-2 favorite for trainer John Sadler, finished another length back in third under Flavien Prat.
Owned by Robert V. LaPenta, Hiding in Honduras is a Kentucky-bred colt by Dialed In out of the Freud mare La Moneda. He sold for $40,000 in the 2023 Keeneland Horses of All Ages sale. Hiding in Honduras debuted on synthetic at Presque Isle Downs on Oct. 25 and promptly aired by 7 ¾ lengths. Sent west following that effort, Hiding in Honduras previously was fourth in the one mile Let It Ride Stakes won by Tempus Volat on Oct. 30 at Del Mar.
Hiding in Honduras paid $21.40, $9.00 and $4.20. Tempus Volat, trained by Leonard Powell, returned $5.40 and $2.80. Namaron paid $2.10 to show.
GRADE II, $200,000 MATHIS MILE STAKES QUOTES
JOCKEY QUOTES
ANTONIO FRESU, HIDING IN HONDURAS, WINNER: “To be fair he was nice in the post parade, just when he saw the gate he acted up a little bit. But I didn’t do much. I grabbed him and once he was in the gate he was absolutely fine. I tried to get him to break and follow the instructions like Jonathan had told me. He settled nice and relaxed on the backside. When I got the split, he was still very green. He gave me the input to go and he kind of stood there a little bit then came back on. Thank you to Jonathan and the owner for this opportunity. The horse is talented and he’s going to improve again. Today Jonathan brought him great form.
FLAVIEN PRAT, NAMARON, THIRD: “He gave me a good trip. They kicked home quick. He gave me a good run, but then he went even.”
TRAINER QUOTES
JONATHAN THOMAS, HIDING IN HONDURAS, WINNER: “We have liked this horse. They actually really liked him on the farm where he was broke. He just has to get it together between his ears. But I’d like to congratulate Mr. La Penta. He has been a big part of our farm since the very beginning. To win a race like this is very special.”
NOTES: The winning owner is Robert LaPenta.
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