Vending Machine proves exceptional claim with win in Eddie Logan Stakes
ARCADIA, Calif. - Vending Machine has had a fan all year in trainer Peter Miller.
Last March, Miller inspected Vending Machine at the Barretts March sale of 2-year-olds in training at Del Mar, but did not buy the colt, who was listed as bought back for $110,000. Miller did claim Vending Machine for $40,000 at Del Mar in September from his second start.
Friday, Vending Machine won his turf debut in the $80,580 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at a mile at Santa Anita.
Miller said he claimed Vending Machine because of his pedigree. The colt is a half-brother to Comma to the Top, a millionaire Grade 1 winner Miller trained earlier in this decade.
“I liked him at the 2-year-old sale, and he went for more money than I wanted to give,” Miller said.
Vending Machine has won three of five starts for Miller and owner Joe Sinnott since being claimed. Vending Machine won twice at the Santa Anita autumn meeting - a $50,000 claimer for maidens in early October and a starter-optional claimer on Nov. 3.
Vending Machine was second in the Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar on Nov. 27. The DeMille Stakes was scheduled for turf, but transferred to the main track because of wet weather.
Rain fell at Santa Anita on Friday, but the Logan stayed on turf, which was rated good. Vending Machine raced near the front throughout under jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr., and took the lead in the final furlong before winning by three-quarters of a length over a fast-closing Soglio, the 2-1 favorite.
Vending Machine was timed in 1:35.87.
“He loved the grass,” Miller said. “This is the best race he’s ever run.”
Cistron, who set the pace to the final furlong, held third, beaten three-quarters of a length. Curly’s Waterfront finished fourth, followed by Conscripted, Offshore, Interrogator, Oopper Wallah, and Calli Way.
Vending Machine, by Hard Spun, has won 3 of 7 starts and earned $104,325.