NEWS
Bourbon Bay cruises to victory in San Luis Rey
Posted: Saturday, March 20, 2010 8:49 PM
BOURBON BAY
Benoit & Associates photo
To view the San Luis Rey Handicap, click here.
by Tim Nichols
Bourbon Bay established himself as a rising star on Saturday with a dominant 2½-length victory in the $150,000 San Luis Rey Handicap (G2) at Santa Anita Park.
The four-year-old Sligo Bay (Ire) gelding took control entering the stretch and powered to a third consecutive victory. Trained by Neil Drysdale for owners David and Jill Heerensperger, Bourbon Bay entered off two wins at 1½ miles, most recently taking the San Luis Obispo Handicap (G2) by 4¼ lengths on February 21.
“He made a move at the three-eighths [pole] and passed everybody,” winning jockey Rafael Bejarano said. “This horse is getting through every time he runs, and he is getting better every time he runs. I’m so happy he won again.”
Bourbon Bay, a half brother to 2008 Canadian champion three-year-old filly Ginger Brew and stakes winner Booyah, tracked in second, close to High Court Drama (Ire), while longshot Quasicobra grabbed the lead and set the pace through a half-mile in :46.89 and six furlongs in 1:11.62.
Bejarano let out the reins with a half-mile to go and the four-year-old responded by taking the lead. Bourbon Bay extended his advantage with each quickening stride in the stretch as he cruised to an easy victory under a brisk hand ride. Bourbon Bay completed the trip on firm turf in 2:24.08.
“I felt a little pressure from the horse next to me on the inside, but my horse was relaxed,” Bejarano said. “After the second turn I could see my horse was getting comfortable and I knew I had a chance to win.”
Romp (Arg) closed from ninth to finish second, a head in front of third-place finisher Sudden War (Arg).
After two straight wins at 1 1/2 miles, Bourbon Bay may stretch out to 1¾ miles in the $150,000 San Juan Capistrano Handicap (G2) on April 18.
“I think that’s within his scope, the way he ran today,” Drysdale said of the San Juan Capistrano.
Bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, Bourbon Bay has four wins from 12 career starts and earnings of $299,424. He is one of three winners from as many starters out of the winning Conquistador Cielo mare Coral Necklace.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Tim Nichols is internet content editor of Thoroughbred Times
