Ohio, Chief Cicatriz Three-Peat in Fitzsimmons Mile, Gold Cup

While Ohio became the first three-time consecutive winner of the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, Chief Cicatriz became the first three-time winner of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Friday at Turf Paradise Race Course. The 6-5 favorite Ohio (BRZ), shipping in from Santa Anita for trainer Michael McCarthy, was deftly handled by local jockey Luis Fuentes, and overcame the pace-setting Overdue with Popular

Kid third in the field of eight older horses. Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Ohio ($4.80), who was notching his unprecedented third consecutive victory in this race, covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:37.27.

Meanwhile, Chief Cicatriz ($3.80) made his own history by becoming the first three-time winner in the 65 year history of the Gold Cup. Owned by Roy Evans, trained by Shawn Davis and ridden to victory by Alfredo Juarez, Jr., the 8-year-old gelding covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.83 for his 16th lifetime win. Finishing second behind Chief Cicatriz was the hardcharging Raagheb and third former Gold Cup winner Minister of Soul in the compact field of five.

In the two supporting stakes: The California shipper and Robert Hess, Jr.-trained favorite Its My House ($6.20) with Glenn Corbett aboard, out-gammed Tony’s Tapit with Saturday’s Value third to win the $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby in the field of 11 3-year-olds. The winner, owned by Larry Katz, covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.05. Longshot Don’tpassthepepper ($17.40) with Leslie Mawing up was a nose the best over Gemstone Gal.