Gold Phoenix further enhanced an already distinguished résumé at Santa Anita on Sunday, producing a dominant display to capture the Grade III San Juan Capistrano Stakes by five lengths and record the 10th stakes victory of his career. The performance lifted the eight-year-old gelding’s earnings beyond $2.4 million and reinforced his enduring class in his fifth season under trainer Phil D’Amato.

Making his first appearance in the historic marathon contest, the Irish-bred son of Belardo showed no difficulty handling the demanding distance of approximately 1¾ miles on turf. Sent off the overwhelming 2-5 favorite under Hector Berrios, Gold Phoenix settled near the rear of the field through the early stages as Grogu established the pace through fractions of 47.41, 1:11.50 and 1:38.05.

The complexion of the race changed down the backstretch when Gold Phoenix began advancing around rivals. Travelling strongly on the outside, he steadily improved his position before confronting Goldeneye at the top of the stretch. From there, the outcome quickly became one-sided as he accelerated clear and coasted to the wire under a restrained ride.

Goldeneye finished second for trainer Peter Eurton, while American Hope completed the trifecta for trainer Brian Koriner.

Berrios said confidence grew throughout the journey as his mount travelled comfortably over the extended trip.

“He was the most talented horse,” Berrios said. “He broke perfect. I knew it was a long race and he felt comfortable. On the backstretch, he starting passing horses really nicely. Then going into the stretch, I put him on the outside and he quickened. I looked at the (infield video board) and saw the other horses were maybe five lengths back. I just sat and let him go easy to the finish.”

The victory marked Berrios’ third success in the San Juan Capistrano after previous wins aboard Planetario in 2023 and 2024.

Gold Phoenix stopped the clock in 2:44.76, the fastest winning time in the race since Bourbon Bay recorded 2:44.52 in 2010. The time underlined the authority of the performance and was not lost on D’Amato.

“I just loved the move he was making around the three-eighths pole,” D’Amato said. “It looked like he was just kind of inhaling them. I felt really good by the time he got to the top of the lane. He looked like he was just in a gallop. Ultra impressive.”

For D’Amato, the result represented a fourth victory in the race, having previously won it with Acclimate in 2019 and 2021 and Red King in 2020.

The trainer noted the personal significance of adding another San Juan Capistrano trophy to his collection, particularly with a horse that has become one of the stable’s most accomplished performers.

“This was one of my favorite races watching as a kid,” D’Amato said. “It means a lot to me to win this race, especially with this horse.

“This is such a beautiful race. It’s so unique. There’s not one like it. It should keep its prestige. Hopefully Gold Phoenix winning helps with that.”

Racing for Agave Racing Stable, Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Marsha Naify, Gold Phoenix improved his record to 12 wins from 33 starts, with three seconds and five thirds. His career bankroll now stands at $2,437,087.

Among those who have followed the gelding’s journey from the beginning, the latest victory carried added meaning. Little Red Feather Racing principal Billy Koch highlighted the horse’s popularity away from the racetrack as well as his continued competitiveness on it.

“I think it is hard to put into words,” Koch said. “Everyone just loves him and he is so kind around the barn. I can’t tell you how many retirement facilities have called me up saying they want him when he’s done. But who knows when that might be because it sure didn’t look like it today. He has been a very special horse.”

At an age when many runners have long since left competition behind, Gold Phoenix continues to perform at a high level, and Sunday’s emphatic victory suggested there may still be more chapters to come in one of Santa Anita’s most enduring success stories.