Kiss Today Goodbye capped 2020 with a spectacular win in Saturday’s $200,000 San Antonio S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park, coming from far back to win the 1 1/16-mile contest by a half-length.
The 3-year-old colt, who was facing older stakes horses for the first time, is the 15th black type horse this year for Cairo Prince, best among all Third-Crop sires.
After pair of solid graded turf outings in the fall, Kiss Today Goodbye was a sharp dirt allowance winner on Nov. 14. Last of six through the first six furlongs, the dark bay began to make up ground under Mike Smith on the turn. Going four-wide into the stretch, he made up about a half-dozen lengths to take the lead inside the final furlong. The final time was 1:43.37 on the fast track.
“About four races back he got absolutely sandblasted and was basically eased in the race,” said trainer Eric Kruljac. “I basically told (Mike), ‘He’s better with the kickback but it was a factor that day.’ As you can see when Mike came back, he ate the dirt, the colt has put it all together and Mike gave him an absolutely perfect ride.”
With the win Kiss Today Goodbye is 3-0-3 in 11 starts and has earned $230,802. He is owned by Jon Sondereker, who purchased his for $150,000 at the 2018 Keeneland January sale.
The winner was bred by Debmar Stables and is out of Savvy Hester, stakes winner on the Woodbine turf who placed in an additional six added-money events.
