Hieronymus pulls away in Randy Romero Memorial Stakes

Even-money favorite Hieronymus got an easy lead in the $57,600 Randy Romero Memorial Stakes and made the most of it. After essentially galloping for three-quarters of a mile, Hieronymus sprinted home, burying his pursuers and posting a 9 3/4-length victory Saturday at Fair Grounds.

Brian Hernandez Jr. rode Hieronymus for trainer Brad Cox and owner-breeder Godolphin. Hieronymus is by Girolamo out of Pamona Ball, by Pleasantly Perfect, and he won for the third time in four starts, his lone defeat a fading eighth-place finish over a wet, laboring course last fall at Churchill Downs.

Hieronymus ($4) had a clear lead after running a half-mile in 49.86 seconds, at best a modest tempo even with the temporary turf rail set at 18 feet.

Things got no more demanding around the far turn, Hieronymus going six furlongs in 1:15.94, but after running his third quarter-mile in 26.08, Hieronymus took off. After passing the quarter pole, he ran a furlong in 11.68 and finished off the Romero with a furlong in 11.87, a turn off foot none of his rivals could come close to matching. Hieronymus stopped the timer in 1:39.49 for one mile over firm turf.

“Today, all I had to do was be a passenger and stay out of his way,” Hernandez said. “Down the lane I just kind of slapped him to keep his attention. Even though he was drawing away, he still was kind of looking at some things.”

Jack the Umpire finished second, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Perfect Star with 2-1 second choice Duke of Carthania fourth. The Gray Blur and Kunal were scratched.