King of Speed does it again in Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. - King of Speed has become predictable in turf stakes for 2-year-olds in Southern California. He rallies from off the pace on the rail and takes the lead in the final strides to win at a price.

King of Speed won the Del Mar Juvenile Turf against nine rivals at 15-1 on Sept. 2. In Monday’s $101,035 Zuma Beach Stakes at Santa Anita, King of Speed’s backers had to settle for 5-1 in a field of eight.

Ridden by regular rider Gary Stevens, King of Speed ($13.40) won by 1 1/4 lengths over Much Better, the 6-5 favorite. Much Better, trained by Bob Baffert, had his stakes debut and second start in the Zuma Beach, having recorded an impressive maiden race win at Del Mar on Sept. 1.

King of Speed was timed in 1:34.35 for a mile on turf.

“I think that was his best race,” trainer Jeff Bonde said.

“He likes to stalk and pounce. He’s been a new horse.”

The two stakes wins, King of Speed’s only victories in six starts, will prompt conversations with owners David and John Del Secco about a potential trip to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs on Nov. 2, Bonde said.

King of Speed, by Jimmy Creed, has earned $145,980.

Stevens had King of Speed at the back of the field for the opening quarter-mile, well behind Ship of the Line, who set a quick first quarter of 22.55 seconds. Ship of the Line led by as many as two lengths at the half-mile pole before the trailers began to move closer.

Much Better, who was second early, took the lead with a quarter-mile remaining and led by 1 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole. King of Speed was sixth with a quarter-mile remaining, and closed 3 1/2 lengths to reach the front.

“He’s gone from a boy to a man in two races,” Stevens said. “He gives me a lot of confidence.”

Much Better finished second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of 9-1 Rijeka in third. Rijeka was followed by Takeo Squared, Spin Lightning, Ship of the Line, Honcho, and More Ice.

King of Speed was purchased for $140,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September yearling sale. He lost his four starts in maiden races before winning the Del Mar Juvenile Turf.