Retama: Asmussen, Murphy, Scherr sweep Texas Stallion Stakes

Connie Scherr, trainer Steve Asmussen,  and jockey Glen Murphy swept both $75,000 divisions of the Texas Stallion Stakes for 2-year-olds at Retama Park on Saturday night, when Esscalator wired a field of fellow fillies and Estrickator used similar tactics against colts and geldings. The races shared a card with the $50,000 Fiesta Mile won by Smiles Golden Song.

Esscalator ($8.80) rolled on the front end, setting fractions of 22.08 seconds for the opening quarter in the six-furlong race, and 45.79 for the half-mile. She proceeded to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:11.16. Esscalator won by 4 1/2 lengths over Tastefullyexcessive. It was another 3 1/2 lengths back in third to favorite Platinum Song.

Estrickator ($2.60) set fractions of 22.23 and 45.73, before winning his six-furlong division in 1:11.63. He won by 1 3/4  lengths over Breathethefire, while it was another seven lengths back in third to Pop Chart.

Scherr bred both Esscalator and Estrickator. The horses are by the Gone West stallion Intimidator.

In the Fiesta Mile for Texas-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf, Smiles Golden Song ($15) rallied for a 1 1/2-length win over Vilao. It was another head back in third to favorite Patty’s Pride. Smiles Golden Song covered the distance on firm ground in 1:35.55. Weldon Cloninger was aboard for Sylvia Baird and trainer Larry Stroope.