Flamboyant puts together another big effort in San Marcos

ARCADIA, Calif. - Winning is becoming a habit for Flamboyant.

For the first time in his 19-race career, Flamboyant won consecutive races with a victory in Saturday’s $201,380 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. A 5-year-old gelding, Flamboyant won the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes on Jan. 2, ending a losing streak dating back to April 2014.

“I hope we can keep it going,” trainer Paddy Gallagher said in the winner’s circle.

Flamboyant benefited from a patient ride from jockey Brice Blanc to win the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf. Flamboyant closed from sixth in a field of nine to win by three-quarters of a length over 16-1 Gaga A.

“My horse has a nice three-eighths of a mile run,” Blanc said.

Flamboyant ($7.60) was timed in 2:01.58.

Hay Dude, the 5-2 favorite, was a clear leader early, holding an advantage of as many as four lengths in the first half-mile under apprentice jockey David Lopez. The margin was down to a half-length after a mile, with several horses moving into contention. Blanc guided Flamboyant wide on the turn and advanced to second with a furlong to go, racing just behind stretch leader Gaga A, a 7-year-old mare.

“I didn’t want to take a chance,” Blanc said. “I made the move to go around and it worked out my way.”

Gaga A finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Quick Casablanca, the longest shot in the field at 45-1. Class Leader was fourth, followed by Southern Freedom, Hay Dude, Power Foot, Chiropractor, and Abbey Vale.

Flamboyant has won 5 of 19 starts and earned $518,368. Owned by David Bienstock and California Horse Racing Board chairman Chuck Winner, Flamboyant was bred in France and is by the Sunday Silence stallion Peer Gynt.