From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2017) — Under a masterfully-timed ride by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, California-bred He Will, a lukewarm 5-2 favorite, rallied from next-to-last turning for home to charge to the lead in the final strides and win the featured $93,580 Lure Stakes Thursday at Del Mar.
In a blanket finish with five horses separated by only a length at the wire, He Will prevailed by a neck over Tequila Joe, who nosed out A Red Tie Day for second. Forever Juanito was only a half-length farther back in fourth place, a nose in front of Eckersley in the field of nine older horses. Withdrawn from the race was Dimension.
“I didn’t get away from there as quick as I wanted,” Said Smith. “He was moving when they sent them and I was just a little behind. I didn’t want to put him up in the race, so I just took a hold and saved some ground on that first turn. I said ‘Let me see if I can get them going wide on the second turn.’ It worked out pretty good.”
He Will, a five-year-old California-bred son of Cyclotron bred by Old English Rancho and Berumen, raced the mile on the infield Jimmy Durante Turf Course in 1:35.33 and returned $7.80, $4.40 and $3.40 while recording his sixth triumph in 19 starts for owners All Schlaich Stable and Team Green and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. First money of $60,720 increased his earnings to $322,619.
Runner-up Tequila Joe, who was piloted by Joel Rosario, paid $8 and $5, while A Red Tie Day returned $5.60 to show.
Breeders’ Cup weekend begins Friday with a ten-race program starting at 11:25 a.m., and featuring four championship races, including the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Saturday’s climactic 12-race program, highlighted by nine BC contests, begins at 10:10 a.m., ending with the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.