Citizen Geller repeats in O.D. McDonald Stakes

Citizen Geller won the O.D. McDonald Stakes at the Downs at Albuquerque for the second year in a row Saturday night when he rallied for a 2 1/2-length victory over favorite Stormin the Jewels. The $70,000 race was the opening-night feature at Albuquerque, which is conducting a mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses through Sept. 3.

The O.D. McDonald was for 3-year-olds and up over seven furlongs. Citizen Geller ($11.80) sat just off the pace set by Stormin the Jewels, who dueled through fractions of 22.40 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.06 for the half-mile. Citizen Geller advanced, and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:21.90.

Miguel Perez rode the winner for trainer Justin Evans.

Citizen Geller earned $42,000 for his ownership, UKUSA Stables. He is a son of Pro Prado. Citizen Geller is named for Australian native Robert Geller, track announcer at Woodbine and Sunland Park who became a U.S. citizen in 2012, according to a press release from the Downs at Albuquerque.