Amstrong pulls away to win Not Surprising Stakes

Amstrong backed up a sharp maiden win with a stakes victory Saturday, when he pulled away by 3 3/4 lengths in the $75,000 Not Surprising at Gulfstream Park. Smart Striker finished second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of Lights of Broadway.

The Not Surprising was one of two 3-year-old stakes on the card, both on Tapeta. Ocean Club ($8) won the $75,000 Martha Washington.

Amstrong ($5.40) was content to stalk the pace in fourth as Ticking took the field through an opening quarter in 25.05 seconds, a half-mile in 49.17, and six furlongs in 1:12.75. Amstrong advanced three wide on the turn, was even with the leaders in the stretch, then began to pull away in the latter stages. He covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.52.

Miguel Vasquez was aboard the winner for trainer Jose D’Angelo.

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Amstrong came into the Not Surprising off a four-length win in a maiden special weight moved from turf to Tapeta on April 15 at Gulfstream. He is now 2 for 4 and has career earnings of $79.550.

Amstrong is a son of Tapwrit who races for Soldi Stable and Ohana Racing.

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