Clubhouse Ride impressive in Barretts Juvenile

POMONA, Calif. – The California 2-year-old division gained a serious player Sunday at Fairplex Park, where Clubhouse Ride overcame adversity to score a 2 1/4-length victory in the $100,495 Barretts Juvenile.

Clubhouse Ride was bumped at the break and away slowly in the 6 1/2-furlong stakes. Jockey Pat Valenzuela turned him loose on the backstretch, Clubhouse Ride raced from seventh to first passing the quarter pole, and won clear. Road Ready finished second, followed by Wealthy Aviator.

The slow final time, 1:20.03 for 6 1/2 furlongs, does not accurately reflect the dominance of Clubhouse Ride. A son of Candy Ride purchased for $22,000 at the Barretts January sale, Clubhouse Ride is trained by Craig Lewis and owned by Six-S Racing Stable and Niko Petralia. He has earned $100,470.

Although the Grade 1 Norfolk Stakes is just two weeks away on Oct. 2 at Hollywood Park, Lewis said Clubhouse Ride will be considered for that 1 1/16-mile race. The Barretts was his second win from seven starts.

The Barretts was Valenzuela’s first mount at Fairplex in five years. Clubhouse Ride ($5.20) was the eighth winning favorite on the 12-race Sunday card.

Racing resumes Wednesday at Fairplex Park, closing week of the Los Angeles County Fair meet, which ends Monday, Sept. 27.