From Los Alamitos Publicity
CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2015) — For the second time in less than one month, California-bred Gimme Da Lute got the better of Prospect Park, holding off his rival by a nose to win the Grade II, $350,000 Los Alamitos Derby Saturday.
The 1-2 finishers in the Grade III Affirmed Stakes June 7 at Santa Anita dominated the Derby, finishing nearly eight lengths in front of pacesetter and 2-5 favorite Kentuckian. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for owner-breeders Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Gimme Da Lute, a 3-year-old son of Midnight Lute and the Proud Citizen mare Casino Gold, tracked the leader for most of the 1 1/8 miles, got the lead entering the long stretch and scored under jockey Martin Garcia as the 3-1 second choice.
The win in 1:47.09 was the fourth in seven starts for Gimme Da Lute and the $210,000 payday increased his bankroll to $457,560.
He paid $8.60 and $4.20. The place price on Prospect Park, the 7-2 third choice, was $4.20. There was no show wagering.
Although Gimme Da Lute had started his career winning two of three races at 5 ½ and 6 ½ furlongs, Baffert said he realized after the Affirmed – which is run at 1 1/16 miles – the colt had wanted more distance all along.
“After he won last time, I could tell he was craving more distance,’’ said Baffert. “He’s getting better and better and Martin rode him flawlessly today.
“I’m glad to be back here at Los Alamitos where it all started and winning this race means a lot to me. This horse had been working really well, so we were confident, but we just didn’t know what (Kentuckian) was going to do because you never know how they’re going to react when you stretch them out.’’
The victory means Baffert and Garcia have won the last two thoroughbred graded races offered at Los Alamitos. They teamed to win the Grade I Los Alamitos Futurity last Dec. 20 when Dortmund edged Firing Line and Mr. Z.
“(Gimme Da Lute) is just getting better and better and (Baffert) told me to ride him with confidence,’’ said Garcia. “He relaxed nicely and fought it out gamely.’’
With regular rider Kent Desormeaux at Belmont Park Saturday to ride 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Texas Red to a second-place finish in the Dwyer Stakes, Tyler Baze thought he was aboard a winner in his first collaboration with Prospect Park.
“We got a great trip and I thought for sure we were going to win at the head of the stretch,’’ he said. “He was just a little green and lugged in and we got the worst of the head bob.’’
The prohibitive favorite in his first try beyond seven furlongs off a series of strong works and an authoritative victory in the Grade III Lazaro Barrera Stakes May 10, Kentuckian was a no-excuse third. He made a comfortable lead under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, but had nothing to offer when challenged by Gimme Da Lute.
“I’m usually not at a loss for words, but I’m in shock right now,’’ said Smith. Hollendorfer’s only comment : “Disappointed.’’
Follow Me Crev, the longest shot in the field at 85-1, finished fourth, three-quarters of a length behind Kentuckian and 12 ¼ lengths in front of Pain and Misery.
Racing resumes Sunday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 2:15 p.m.