Endlessly remains unbeaten with Zuma Beach Stakes triumph
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ARCADIA, Calif. - Endlessly had a delayed reaction when jockey Juan Hernandez urged the colt into contention on the turn of Sunday’s Grade 3 Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at a mile on turf at Santa Anita.
Hernandez, the leading rider at the track’s current autumn meeting, wanted Endlessly closer to the front before the stretch. Endlessly, fourth on the turn, took his time responding to Hernandez’s cues, eventually taking the lead with less than a furlong remaining.
Endlessly won the $201,500 Zuma Beach Stakes to remain unbeaten after three starts. Hernandez has been aboard for each of the wins. The Zuma Beach was a trial for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 3.
“I let him get comfortable too much when I wanted him to pick it up,” Hernandez said. “I know next time I have to put him on the bridle.”
Sent off favored, Endlessly ($3.60) was timed in 1:34.52 and was part of a 1-2 finish for trainer Michael McCarthy. Endlessly earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 78.
Ngannou (7-1) set a fair pace of 22.86 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.27 for a half-mile, leading by a length.
Ngannou, who is winless in two starts, had a one-length advantage on Endlessly with a furlong remaining. Ngannou finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of 7-1 Grand Mo the First, a shipper from Florida.
Ace of Clubs finished fourth, followed by Mici’s Express, Formidable Man, Boltage and Pour Dompter.
Grand Mo the First was beaten for the first time in his third start in his turf debut in the Zuma Beach. He won a maiden race and an allowance race in sprints on the synthetic track at Gulfstream Park in late summer.
Endlessly, trained by Michael McCarthy, won his second stakes in the Zuma Beach. All three of his wins have been at a mile on turf, including a maiden race at Del Mar on July 30 and the Grade 3 Del Mar Juvenile Turf on Sept. 10.
Endlessly has earned $229,200 for owners and breeders John and Jerry Amerman, who attended Sunday’s race.
“This guy is really good,” John Amerman said. “Let’s hope he continues to excel.”
Endlessly is by Oscar Performance, who raced for the Amermans and won the BC Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita in 2016.
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