Mucho Gusto shows the way in Lazaro Barrera

ARCADIA, Calif. – Mucho Gusto led throughout Saturday’s Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera Stakes for 3-year-old sprinters at Santa Anita. A brief respite from his challengers on the turn was a contributing factor in the victory.

Mucho Gusto led by a half-length after a half-mile when Principe Carlo faded from contention. When Mucho Gusto turned into the stretch, he repelled a threat from Vantastic before pulling away to win by 3 1/4 lengths over 5-1 Manhattan Up.

“On the turn, he was left alone and he took a couple of breathers,” said winning rider Joe Talamo.

Mucho Gusto ($3) ran seven furlongs in 1:22.96 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

Manhattan Up finished a head in front of 6-1 Vantastic, who was followed by Sparky Ville, Synthesis, and Principe Carlo in the field of six.

Mucho Gusto broke from the rail and set early fractions of 22.41 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.58 for a half-mile.

“I knew we wouldn’t get an easy lead,” Talamo said. “He acts like an older horse. He can take the pressure and relax.

“He’s such a pleasure to ride. Anyone could ride this horse.”

Mucho Gusto, owned by Michael Petersen and trained by Bob Baffert, has won 4 of 6 starts and earned $370,800. The $100,351 Lazaro Barrera Stakes was Mucho Gusto’s third stakes win, preceded by the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at seven furlongs at Del Mar and Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes at 1 1/16 miles here in February.

Mucho Gusto finished third as the 9-10 favorite in the Grade 3 Sunland Derby in New Mexico on March 24.