From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (June 27, 2015)–Heavily favored Masochistic fairly toyed with six rivals en route to a sensational 3 ½ length win in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Tyler Baze and trained by Ron Ellis, the 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Sought After cruised seven furlongs in 1:20.25.
Breaking from post position five, Masochistic showed his customary zip from the gate but was soon joined to his inside by San Onofre, who with Alex Solis aboard, was sent to a narrow lead before being collared by the winner mid-way around the far turn.
“He broke sharp and everything went perfect,” said Ellis, who took over training Masochistic prior to his most recent start, a three quarter length win in the Grade II Kona Gold Stakes on April 11. “It helped that we had the outside post. He’s just a super-talented horse and he’s learning to relax. That’s going to make him tough.”
Off at even money, Masochistic paid $4.20, $3.20 and $2.80. The Triple Bend is his first Grade I win and his sixth overall victory from eight starts. Purchased privately by Los Pollos Hermanos and Jay Em Ess Stable following an allowance win two starts back on Feb. 28, Masochistic picked up $180,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $523,850. Masochistic is out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette and was bred by Francoise Dupuis and Louise Julian.
“All I can say is ‘Awesome,’” said Baze. “He was unbelievable…Last time when I rode him, he was a little more aggressive, almost too aggressive,” said Baze. “His head has calmed down and he was very classy about everything today…I think he can go a mile, no problem.”
Ridden by Joe Talamo, Appealing Tale finished second, 2 ¾ lengths in front of Wild Dude. Off at 12-1, Appealing Tale paid $9.60 and $7.00.
Wild Dude was off at 9-1 with Flavien Prat aboard and paid $5.60 to show.
Grade I winner Sahara Sky, who was the second choice at 5-2, lagged far back early as is his custom, but could do no better than fifth place while never threatening under Rafael Bejarano.
Fractions on the race were 22.85, 45.16 and 1:08.10.