San Luis Rey Stakes – Grade III
1 1/2 Mile Turf Stake Purse $100.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Master Of Disguise Mb Stables Rispoli U

As I said in the preview, I was a fool for not tipping this one because no matter what happens it seems a runner from this stable always finds a leg when its needed. Today he found the front and when they went through the six furlongs in a shade under 1.12 it was pretty obvious what was going to happen. The key to front running at HRP, apart from getting away with soft fractionals is getting a big enough lead, and this one was left alone to run as he wanted and came home unchallenged.

2nd Afterburner Arindel Maldonado E

Fourth in the BC Turf last year, I thought he was coming back to his best for this race but stalked the leader like he didn’t want to bother it and never looked likely to win.

3rd Simply Magic Winning Link Stables Espinoza V

If ever there was a case that spinney legged starts are a thing of the past, then this one was out to dispel that as he went so far back early on the cameraman was having trouble finding him. He ran past all but two in the end flying home but a long way behind the winner who he may have forgot was in the race.

4th Derby G High Voltage Cedillo A

Won an open allowance over this course and distance in pretty much the same time as the winner won today so this rather distant fourth was a little disappointing.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES