Lochte stalks to easy victory in Spider John

Lochte came from a stalking position and easily won the $75,000 Spider John Stakes at Gulfstream Park West on Sunday.

The Grade 1 winner was sent off as the heavy favorite in the six-horse field and paid $3.20.

With Matthew Rispoli aboard, Locthe settled into third behind a moderate pace set by Slim Shadey in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. He was a head behind Slim Shadey after six furlongs in 1:15.48 before taking over the lead on the stretch turn. In total command at the eighth pole with a 2 1/2-length lead, he easily held off the late move by Morning Calm to win by 3 3/4 lengths. Hampstead Heath, last early, rallied to finish third.

The final time over firm turf was 1:51.74.

Trained by Marcus Vitali, Lochte earned $45,000 for owner Crossed Sabres Farm LLC.