Holy Boss takes Chick Lang Stakes for third straight win

BALTIMORE – Holy Boss had sandwiched several terrific races around several defeats. On Saturday, before a huge Preakness crowd at Pimlico, Holy Boss put his best foot forward when drawing off to an emphatic two-length victory in the sixth running of the $100,000 Chick Lang Stakes.

“He’s a really nice colt, and I’m just glad he got a chance to show it here,” trainer Steve Asmussen said upon entering the winner’s circle to greet Holy Boss and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr.

Lurking ever-present in closest pursuit of front-running Victory Is Sweet as 11 3-year-olds made their way through the turn and into the stretch run of the six-furlong race, Holy Boss sped clear in the final furlong, returning $11.40 to win after finishing in 1:09.61 over a fast track. Gimme Da Lute, the 8-5 favorite, was another four lengths back in third.

Victory Is Sweet, making just his third career start, was roused to the lead from the gate by Victor Carrasco before giving way grudgingly down the lane.

“I thought maybe we would win, but the other horse was very good today,” said Carrasco.

Holy Boss, a son of Street Boss owned by Jerry Durant, was an immediate smash when capturing his career debut by 10 lengths last September at Churchill Downs. But he then was a distant fifth in the Champagne and also was defeated in his next two starts, both first-level allowances.

Holy Boss got back into good form as spring came to Arkansas as he won a March 19 allowance and the April 10 Bachelor Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The Lang marked his third straight triumph.

“This is another step up in competition for him to run so fast, and I think there will be some nice races in his future,” said Asmussen.

The $2 exacta (9-5) paid $91.20, the $1 trifecta (9-5-7) returned $120.90, and the 10-cent superfecta (9-5-7-1) was worth $32.06.

The winner’s trophy was presented by several grandchildren of Chick Lang, the late Pimlico general manager widely credited with helping to mold the Preakness into the success it is today. Lang, known as Mr. Preakness, died in 2010.