Listing impresses in front-running Desert Code score

ARCADIA, Calif. – Listing dueled inside, shook off pace rival Rafal, and scored an impressive victory Sunday in the $91,000 Desert Code Stakes at Santa Anita.

Mario Gutierrez rode Listing to the 2 1/4-quarter length victory in the five-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds. Listing is by Square Eddie; Ben Cecil is his trainer. His owner is breeder J. Paul Reddam.

Listing dueled inside Rafal through a blazing 21.24 first quarter, a half-mile in 43.61 and kicked away to win clear in 55.21.

Legends of War finished second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of Rafal. Ginger Nut, a filly favored at 7-5, made no impact from the back of the pack and finished fourth. Alleva finished fifth, Strictly Biz was scratched.

Listing returned $9.80 winning for the third time in eight starts. The win was his second in a stakes. He won the California Cup Turf Sprint at 6 1/2 furlongs on turf in January. Listing earned $60,000 to increase his bankroll to $225,400.