Battle of Hastings can do it all
ARCADIA, Calif. - First, he conquered California's turf sprinters in the Grade 3 Baldwin Stakes on March 1. On Saturday, Battle of Hastings showed his dominance against 3-year-old turf milers in the La Puente Stakes at Santa Anita.
Overcoming an outside post in a field of 10, Battle of Hastings rallied wide through the final quarter-mile to remain unbeaten this year.
Ridden by Tyler Baze, Battle of Hastings ($4.80) was timed in 1:34.38.He finished 1 1/4 lengths clear of Smokey Lonesome, who was a half-length clear of Wall Street Wonder.
Battle of Hastings was wide throughout the trip, but that did not prevent him from closing from seventh in the final quarter mile.
"We barely found a seam around the turn and there was a lot of bumping inside and outside," Baze said. "When I hit him left handled, he swapped leads and just took off. I'm looking forward to bigger and better things from him."
Owned by Michael House, Battle of Hastings has won 4 of 8 starts and $153,875. He won two minor races in England last summer before joining Mullins's stable last November.
Battle of Hastings finished seventh in the Grade 3 Generous Stakes in his U.S. debut in November, but Mullins dismissed the result, saying that Battle of Hastings did not have sufficient time to settle in California before the race.
Champagne Eyes returns in winning form
Champagne Eyes returned from a 15-month absence to pull an upset in the $74,950 Santa Lucia Handicap for fillies and mares.
Champagne Eyes ($13.40) set a modest pace of 24.24 and 47.82 seconds, leading by a length over 4-5 favorite Theodora. Turning into the stretch, jockey Michael Baze urged Champagne Eyes clear and she maintained her advantage, winning by 2 1/4 lengths over Miss Singhsix.
Theodora finished 5 1/4 lengths behind Champagne Eyes.
A 4-year-old filly, Champagne Eyes races for Pablo Suarez. Trained by Doug O'Neill, Champagne Eyes was second in the Sharp Cat Stakes in November 2007 as a maiden. Champagne Eyes has won 2 of 6 starts and $120,652.