Hollywood Park: Den’s Legacy stays on rail for victory in Generous Stakes

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Fresh off a four-win performance Friday, including the Citation with Data Link, jockey Garrett Gomez continued his hot hand at Betfair Hollywood Park on Saturday with a flawless, rail-skimming ride aboard Den’s Legacy, a trip that made the difference in the Grade 3, $100,000 Generous Stakes for 2-year-olds.

Den’s Legacy ($4.60), the favorite, hugged the rail throughout while just behind the leaders, then was able to sneak through along the rail at the top of the stretch and went on to record a half-length victory over Rising Legend, who finished furiously for second after being forced to rally wide into the lane. Shining Copper, who gave the starting gate crew a tussle before finally loading, was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

Den’s Legacy completed one mile on firm turf in 1:36.62.

“He traveled really well for me,” said Gomez, who rode Den’s Legacy for trainer Bob Baffert. “He’ll go through a pinhole if you ask him to.”

Den’s Legacy was fourth in the early going and was able to seize command when the early pacesetter, Dancin Upside Down, drifted out entering the lane.

“I anticipating him doing that,” Gomez said. “I thought I was following a live horse, who would get me to the top of the stretch. He was like, ‘Tell me where to go?’ He’s handy that way. He’ll go through anything.”

Den’s Legacy, a colt by Medaglia d’Oro, has now won twice in seven starts. He was second in his two prior races – the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Preview on the hillside course at Santa Anita and the Zuma Beach going a flat mile on Santa Anita’s grass course. Gomez has been aboard for his last three starts.

Den’s Legacy was purchased as a yearling at Keeneland for $150,000 by the Westrock Stables of Scott and Joe Ford.