Llobo's late kick puts him first in Everett Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. – Llobo ($14.80), who rallied to get up for a dead-heat victory in his debut, sat a bit closer early but displayed the same late kick as he pulled away in the stretch to win Sunday’s $100,450 Everett Nevin Stakes at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet at Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The Tribal Rule colt raced three wide all the way in the 5 1/2-furlong stakes race for Cal-breds. He was fourth down the backstretch as Summersimage set the early pace, closely pursued by Tchula Sunset.

Tchula Sunset got his head in front while on the turn with Llobo ranging up beside him. The pair began to pull clear in the stretch, but Llobo pulled away late, winning by 2 1/4 lengths while winning in 1:04.18. Tchula Sunset held second over even-money favorite Rinse and Repeat, who was next to last early but nonetheless had a good stalking position.

“He seems to be getting better each time,” said winning trainer Lloyd Mason, who is also a co-owner with Robert Jones.

Winning jockey Julien Couton was confident the whole way, even when Llobo responded greenly to harrow tracks in the dirt on the turn.

“He got a little spooky but never lost his momentum,” Couton said. “I always had a lot of racehorse under me.

“He is so manageable. He does everything right. He knows what he’s doing. He’s got a long stride and natural speed. When I asked him in the lane, he really extended.”

The victory was worth $60,000 for the colt who was purchased as a yearling for $34,000 at last summer’s Northern California Sale here. He’s now 2 for 2 with earnings of $73,520.

His dam, Serena’s Echo, is a full sister of Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Thor’s Echo.