Komorebino Omoide, a Japanese-bred son of California Chrome, became a stakes winner Friday night in the $100,000 Delta Downs Mile. He threw a knockout punch at the competition, as he won off by a widening 5 3/4 lengths.
“I’m hoping he’s starting to put it all together,” trainer Robertino Diodoro said Saturday.
Earlier this year, Komorebino Omoide ran third in both the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic at 1 1/8 miles and the Grade 3 West Virginia Governor’s Cup at 1 1/16 miles at Mountaineer Park.
In the Delta Mile, he stalked the pace and finished with authority. For the effort, Komorebino Omoide, who races for his breeder, Perry Martin, earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 98. The horse’s career high number, a 103, came in a mile allowance at Lone Star Park.
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“I like that he sat off the pace,” Diodoro said. “I think a big thing was the distance. He’s run some good races [at longer distances], but I think better horses ... I think a flat mile is the perfect distance. The owner and I both agree on that.”
Martin, who raced California Chrome in partnership, had Komorebino Omoide receive his earliest training lessons in Japan.
“He was broken in Japan, came to North America, and from quarantine he came straight to us,” Diodoro said.
Komorebino Omoide was to ship from Delta to Diodoro’s division at Louisiana Downs, which has been operating as a training center since the meet closed in September. Plans for his next start are to be determined.
“I want to think about it here the next week or two, discuss things with the owner,” Diodoro said. “I’m not sure yet what we’re going to do.”
Diodoro said he wants to spend some time searching out the right stakes option for Komorebino Omoide, who is 4.
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