Icecoldbeeratreds wires Graduation

DEL MAR, Calif. - Trainer Bob Baffert has had a stranglehold on the Graduation Stakes since the race went to 5 1/2 furlongs in 2000.

On Wednesday, for the third consecutive year, Baffert won the sprint for California-bred 2-year-olds, scoring with Icecoldbeeratreds, who led throughout and won by 3 1/2 lengths.

The time of 1:03.27 set a stakes record but the race has only been run over 5 1/2 furlongs for the last three of its 51 runnings. It was previously run over six furlongs.

Icecoldbeeratreds ($6.60) join Arabian Light (2000) and Officer (2001) as Baffert-trained winners of the Graduation.

Ridden by David Flores, Icecoldbeeratreds was never threatened. He led by 1 1/2 lengths through fractions of 21.97 and 44.93 seconds and pulled away in the final furlong.

Jury Box, the 6-5 favorite, held second throughout and finished three lengths in front of Expression in the field of nine.

Icecoldbeeratreds was making his first start since winning a maiden special weight for California-breds at Hollywood Park on April 27. Sore shins left him on the sidelines through the spring, Baffert said. Baffert feared that Icecoldbeeratreds would be short and says he adjusted his strategy.

"I told David to send him away from there," Baffert said. "When they're short, it's better to let them roll out of there."