Lafayette Stakes

7 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $400.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st        Illusionary Artist          Nakamura Stables     Castillo I           1:21.65

Well, it is not very often we see a trip preference as clear as this but after clearly not staying the trip in the TAM Derby last time this lightly raced gelding made it two from two over these seven furlongs. Using the wide gate perfectly he was catapulted to the lead and was clear enough to hold on by the time the closers thought about catching up. He is three from three over sprint trips now and I can see him making his way to the BC Sprint as this was only his sixth start and there looks like plenty to come.     

2nd       Petit A Petit      Jerry Garcia Racing    Bejarano R       1:21.71             

Stalked the leader at a respectful distance and took ground off him all the way to the line but just could not get there in time. This was a strong race from the inexperienced son of Excoriator who looked happier back to a sprint trip today.  

3rd        Bells N Whistles          TwinTowersRacing      Bridgmohan S X           1:21.90

Made ground nicely at the end and got to within a length but never looked like getting to the first two. He has had some tough races but continues to run well.              

4th        Cosmic Energy             Mb Stables      Franco M          1:21.94             

Got a long way back and we all know how hard it is to do that and win here at HRP. He made up plenty and could be worth following if he steps up in trip and gets the chance to lay up closer.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded