Masochistic targets Pat O'Brien Stakes
ARCADIA, Calif.- Masochistic is likely to make one start at the Del Mar summer meeting after scoring a dazzling win in his first start of 2016 in an optional claimer at Santa Anita on Friday.
Trainer Ron Ellis said he is pointing Masochistic for the $200,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs on Aug. 27, and has no plans for a start in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs on July 31.
“We’ll keep him nice and fresh,” Ellis said.
Owned by Samantha Siegel and Will Shamlian, Masochistic was sidelined with a hind leg injury after finishing 14th in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland last October. The injury did not require an operation.
In Friday’s optional claimer, Masochistic led throughout as the 3-5 favorite, winning the race at 6 1/2 furlongs by 6 1/4 lengths in a quick 1:13.74. Masochistic earned a Beyer speed figure of 107.
“He was training like he might run like that, but until you see him do it you don’t know,” Ellis said. “You always hold your breath when they make comebacks.”
Masochistic has won 7 of 12 starts and earned $652,550. He won the Grade 1 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita in June, 2015, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 109.