- San Luis Rey Stakes- Grade II
- Santa Anita Park 1 1/2 Miles Turf Stakes
- Purse $200.000 For Four year old and Upwards
With the help of early riding style jockey E.A. Roman, Early Retirement ( Mb Stables) would be sent out quickly from the gate and grab the lead within the first quarter mile. He would be joined to his outside by Laffin Kruz ( Nakamura Stables) at the top of the stretch coming off the downhiller, with Spanish Showboat ( Mb Stables) and Winter Solstice ( Maxmillion Farm ) a close third and fourth.
Rounding the clubhouse turn after a modest half mile in 48.64, Early Retirement had managed to stretch out to a length lead over Laffin Kruz. Spanish Showboat and Winter Solstice were now joined to their inside by Indiana Jones ( John Henry ). Penitentiary ( D J C Racing Stables ), Cherokee Charlie ( Team 7 Illusions ), Bayou Quartier ( Invicta Group Llc ) and Awesome Indeed ( TwinTowersRacing ) would sit some five to seven lengths back of the frontrunner.
With a half mile still to complete in the race after a six furlongs time of 1:12.87, the lead had now stretched out to two lengths as Winter Solstice came to join Laffin Kruz for the hunt. Spanish Showboat was starting to feel the effects of running the opening mile some three wide and was starting to fade.
As the field turned for home and a 2:00.30 mile and a quarter time in the books, it was now a two horse race between Early Retirement and a closing Winter Solstice just a little better then a length back. The rest of the field though were within five lengths.
At the wire in a final time of 2:24.18, Early Retirement would capture his fourth Grade I title of his career, now six wins in fifteen starts and a total earnings of just better then $4200.000. Winter Solstice continued to push the issue throughout the stretch run, but was unable to make up any ground on the leader.
The show push would go to Penitentiary, who would finish a half length better then Cherokee Charlie. A four way race for fifth was happening right behind these two, with early runner Laffin Kruz hanging on.
Rounding out the field would be early trailer Awesome Speed, last years winner Bayou Quartier, and earlier challengers Spanish Showboat and Indiana Jones.
SUMMARY– While it seems that Early Retirement is back to form and should be capturing a few more top grass events this season, runner-up Winter Solstice has been determined to break this best man image and should be back on top real soon. Twelve of fourteen in the money is an impressive career as well. While Penitentiary made a gallant effort in the late going to try to get there, he has proven his value a level lower and that could be his next challenge. With the final minor share, Cherokee Charlie has won five on the grass in his career, an a level or two lower will find him cashing a few cheque.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
