Hollywood Park: Stoney Fleece stalks and pounces way to Generous win

\INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Stoney Fleece sat patiently behind a three-way pace duel and then rallied for a 1 1/4-length victory in the Grade 3, $100,000 Generous Stakes for 2-year-olds on Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Stoney Fleece ($19.60) was fourth during the early going as Motown Men, Handsome Mike, and Got Even sped through fractions of 22.45 seconds, 45.12 seconds, and 1:09.50 for the first six furlongs of the one-mile grass race. Stoney Fleece, fourth early under jockey Joel Rosario, advanced to the lead after turning into the stretch, and went on to defeat runner-up Handsome Mike, who held on bravely for second.

Battle Force, the even-money favorite in the field of nine, rallied for third, a half-length behind Stoney Fleece. Senor Rain bolted on the first turn and was pulled up, but walked off the course under his own power.

Stoney Fleece, a colt by Decarchy, was timed in 1:34.77 for one mile on firm turf. The win was his fourth in six starts. He is 3 for 5 since being claimed out of his winning debut at Del Mar by trainer John Sadler on behalf of owners Gary and Cecil Barber.

“I thought he ran terrific,” Sadler said. “He may be a little better on grass. He’s 2 for 2 now.”

Stoney Fleece’s previous turf win came in a first-level allowance at Santa Anita’s fall meeting. He most recently finished third in the California Cup Juvenile on Oct. 29.