Bobby's Wicked One wires short field in Thanksgiving Classic

Trainer Al Stall sent out the winner of the $100,000 Thanksgiving Classic for the third time in four years when Bobby’s Wicked One, under Miguel Mena, led from start to finish facing just two foes Thursday at Fair Grounds.

Stall, a New Orleans native who grew up going to Fair Grounds, won the 2017 and 2016 Thanksgiving Handicap (the race was changed from a handicap to be run under allowance conditions this year) with Yockey’s Warrior, and after the Stall-trained C Z Rocket failed to fire in the 2018 renewal, Bobby’s Wicked One posted a comfortable geared-down victor in the six-furlong dirt race for older horses.

Bobby’s Wicked One was timed in 1:08.68 and paid $3.40. Tringale finished second and Whereshetoldmetogo third as place and show wagering were canceled following scratches of Sonic Mule and Wilbo leaving just three runners.

Bobby’s Wicked One had a strong winter and spring last year, winning three races in a row and finishing second to Mitole in the Churchill Downs Stakes in May before running well below form in his next start and subsequently getting several months off. Bobby’s Wicked One stumbled at the start of his Nov. 2 comeback race, briefly tried to engage a strong pace, and faded to finish a distant eighth, but Stall, who trains the 4-year-old colt for Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stable, said Bobby’s Wicked One had trained with verve since that disappointing performance.

“We thought he’d round back into form,” Stall said.

Bobby’s Wicked One broke alertly, made the front, hugged the rail through the homestretch and never came close to being challenged.

“Today I just put him on the engine and let him go,” said Mena.

Bobby’s Wicked One is by Speightstown out of Wicked Charm by Ghoszapper. Stall said the colt’s next start could come in the Duncan Kenner Stakes in mid-January at Fair Grounds.