Omar reaffirms fondness for track by taking Caballos del Sol

PHOENIX – The surging Omar staked his claim as the top sprinter on the grounds as the 5-year-old gelding captured Saturday’s $35,000 Caballos del Sol at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Randy Exelby, Rick Running Rabbit, and TG Racing LLC, and trained by Robertino Diodoro, Omar found Southern California foes too much but he returned here Oct. 27 and blasted optional claimers by 5 3/4 lengths, posting a big 93 Beyer Speed Figure and making it two wins in as many starts on this track. Well, he’s now 3 for 3 here as he went right out to the lead under Scott Stevens in the six-furlong sprint, took some pressure from Lotsa Mischief but kicked away into the lane before drawing off to win easily by 3 1/2 lengths.

Absolutely Cool stalked in third and ran on for second while Bull Dozer, the 4-5 favorite after running second to the other top sprinter around, Storm Power, in the Bienvenidos, sat last early in the small field of four after two scratches and plugged along to get third but was never a threat.

Omar ran the distance in 1:08.97 and paid $5.80. The winner’s share of $21,700 pushes his earnings to $107,484 from 7 wins in 21 starts.

Maker Or Breaker scores in City of Phoenix

Maker Or Breaker had little trouble validating her 4-5 favoritism as she easily captured the $35,000 City of Phoenix. Owned by Hal and Patti Earnhardt and trained by Dan McFarlane, the 5-year-old Maker Or Breaker bided her time in third in the six-furlong event for fillies and mares as Rock and Glory set the pace. Maker Or Breaker stayed wide and in the clear, made her run into the lane, took command, and edged clear to win by 1 3/4 lengths under Israel Hernandez. Rock and Glory stayed for second with Gracie Grace finishing third in the field of five.

Maker Or Breaker ran the distance in 1:09.72 and paid $3.60. The winner’s share of $21,700 gives her earnings of $243,624 from 6 wins in 14 starts.