Cazadero justifies heavy favoritism in Bashford Manor
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Cazadero got a patient ride from Ricardo Santana Jr. and proceeded to give trainer Steve Asmussen a record sixth victory Saturday in the Grade 3, $100,000 Bashford Manor Stakes at fan-free Churchill Downs.
Bred and owned by Stonestreet Stables, Cazadero returned $2.80 as the heavy favorite in a field of seven 2-year-olds after finishing six furlongs in 1:09.73 over a fast track.
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Reserved in a comfortable position by Santana just a few lengths off the early pace set by County Final, Cazadero swept to the lead approaching the furlong grounds before drawing off to win by 4 3/4 lengths. County Final held second, another 1 3/4 lengths before Herd Immunity.
“He is an incredibly nice horse,” said Santana. “We sat in a really good spot today and was very comfortable. He kept finding his stride throughout the stretch.”
Asmussen had been tied for the most Bashford Manor wins with fellow Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas prior to this 119th running. It was his third of four wins on an 11-race Saturday card and directly preceded a romp by Midnight Bisou for Asmussen in the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis.
“He’s been a very fast horse in his training and handled everything very well today,” said Asmussen.
Cazadero, a bay colt by Street Sense, was coming off a dominating maiden victory in which he earned an 81 Beyer Speed Figure, easily tops in the field. His next start figures to come at Saratoga.
The $2 exacta (6-7) paid $21.60, the $1 trifecta (6-7-5) returned $60.30, and the 10-cent superfecta (6-7-5-2) was worth $21.70.
The Bashford Manor was the first graded race for 2-year-olds in North America this year.