Lundy's Liability captures Goodwood

ARCADIA, Calif. - Bobby Frankel has so much respect for and confidence in long-time assistant Humberto Ascanio that he can vacate Southern California for months on end and still watch his West Coast barn motor along with nary a hitch. On Saturday at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting, Ascanio sent out two stakes winners for Frankel, both of whom Ascanio has trained since Frankel left for New York in the spring.

First it was Light Jig capturing the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes, and then Lundy's Liability -- making his first start in this country -- returned from a six-month layoff to take the Grade 2, $480,000 .

In typical Ascanio fashion, he deflected most of the praise. But Ascanio took some pride out of knowing he was the one who brought Lundy's Liability up to this race.

"It feels good when the horses win," said Ascanio, who has been associated with Frankel for 30 years. "I train them with the same pattern Bobby does. I know."

Lundy's Liability ($6.60) began his career in South Africa, where he won both his starts, then raced three times this spring in Dubai, where he won the United Arab Emirates Derby on March 27. On Saturday, Lundy's Liability outfought Total Impact to win by a head after the two traded volleys for the entire 1 1/8 miles.

There was no pace in the race, so Hollywood Gold Cup winner Total Impact was up pressing the lead throughout. Lundy's Liability was in front narrowly after a quarter in 24.28 seconds. Total Impact was in front after a half in 48.10 seconds. Lundy's Liability was in front after six furlongs in 1:11.42. Total Impact was back in front at mid-stretch, but Lundy's Liability came again to prevail in 1:48.39 on the fast main track.

Supah Blitz finished two lengths back in third after altering course at mid-stretch. His jockey, Corey Nakatani, claimed foul against Lundy's Liability and jockey David Flores, but the stewards rightly ruled no change.

Lundy's Liability is owned by Mary Slack and Stud TNT.