Big Macher surprises once again in Bing Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. – Big Macher was risked and claimed for $20,000 in his debut, and though he had gone up the class ladder since then, winning two stakes, one graded, he never had been favored. Yet again on Sunday, in the Grade 1, $300,500 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, he was overlooked. And for the fifth time in his career, and third time in his last four starts, he made those who doubted him pay dearly.

Surprisingly ignored at 9-1, the fourth choice in a field of seven, Big Macher held off the high-class Goldencents to record not only his first Grade 1 win, but the first Grade 1 win for his trainer, Richard Baltas, a sensational horseman whose rise to prominence has coincided with Big Macher’s ascension.

Baltas, 52, got choked up in the winner’s circle after the race, calling the victory, “My dream, my dream.”

“You can’t teach heart to a horse,” Baltas said. “They have to have a will to win, and this one does.”

Big Macher ($21.20) surged to the front heading into the lane and staved off Goldencents, the 7-10 favorite, to win by a half-length in 1:08.82 for six furlongs on Polytrack. Tyler Baze was aboard.

Seeking the Sherif was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third. Indexical was fourth and was followed, in order, by Kobe’s Back, Pablo Del Monte, and second choice Declassify, who broke poorly and never was a factor.

Big Macher had not raced since April 12, when he won the Grade 2 Potrero Grande at Santa Anita. He suffered a quarter crack in a subsequent workout, which was addressed by blacksmith Wes Champagne. Baltas said the time off “might have been a blessing in disguise.” He was freshened, then worked like a locomotive coming into the Crosby.

Big Macher, 4, is a California-bred gelding by Beau Genius whom Baltas trains for Tom Mansor and the Tachycardia Stables of Brendan Bakir. The $20,000 claim has now earned nearly $500,000, including the $180,000 payday on Sunday.

The Crosby is a Win and You’re In race to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Big Macher never has raced on turf. Baltas said his next goal was likely to be the Grade 2, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs here on Aug. 24.