Easter gets his distance in winning San Gabriel

ARCADIA, Calif. -- Easter’s winning performance in Tuesday’s Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita was similar to his two victories in the fall here and at Del Mar. He stalked the pace and rallied impressively in the final furlong to reach the front with ground to spare.

The difference in the $200,500 San Gabriel was the distance. For the first time in his 19-race career, Easter won at 1 1/8 miles on turf. Additional distance compared to his last two starts was no issue.

Ridden by Antonio Fresu, Easter ($3.40) finished in a sharp 1:47.60 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

“He was very relaxed,” Fresu said. “When I pushed him to the outside, he flew home. He had plenty left.”

Easter was last of six for the first six furlongs, about five lengths behind 14-1 Eastern Ocean who set fractions of 24.64 seconds and 48.76 seconds. Fresu said after the race that he was concerned about the absence of a quick pacesetter and did not want Easter to be too far off the pace.

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Easter was within four lengths of the front on the backstretch, and within three lengths on the turn.

Easter caught stretch leader Tio Magico in the final furlong.

Missed the Cut closed from last on the turn to finish second at 4-1 in his first start since a last-place finish of 12 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 4.

Tio Magico (7-2) held third, followed by War At Sea, Eastern Ocean, and Astronaut.

Easter and Tio Magico are trained by Phil D’Amato. Easter, a 5-year-old gelding by Exosphere, races for Madaket Stable.

“He got in a good stride down the backside, and I thought he was going to come with a run,” D’Amato said of Easter. “Luckily, he did that.”

Easter has won 7 of 19 starts and earned $567,910.

Easter’s current winning streak includes the restricted Lure Stakes on Oct. 28 in his final start for trainer Graham Motion, and his first start for D’Amato in the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 25.

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