Theatrical Holds On to Win Hialeah Turf Cup by Neck

HIALEAH, Fla. —  Living up to his name, Theatrical led the entire race and barely held off hard-charging Long Mick by a neck to win the $200,000 Hialeah Turf Cup Saturday at Hialeah Park.

Theatrical, ridden by Pat Day, outran Duluth for the lead as the field went into the far turn for the first time. The 5-year-old Irish-bred son of Nuryev led by a length leaving the stretch run for the first time.

Heading into the far turn for the second time, Duluth moved within a head of the leader. Theatrical held off that challenge, only to find Creme Fraiche closing on the outside.

Creme Fraiche came within three-quarters of a length at the eighth pole before tiring. Then, Long Mick got through on the inside for one final run at the leader. The challenger cut the lead from three-quarters of a length to a head in the final 40 yards but just missed catching Theatrical at the wire.

The winner was timed in 2:28 3/5 over 1 1/2 miles and paid $4.60, $3.80 and $2.60. Long Mick paid $7.00 and $5.00, while Creme Fraiche, 1 1/2 lengths back in third place, paid $3.60.