Organ Pipe wins Cluer Memorial

A snap decision by jockey Chris Landeros paid off as he guided Organ Pipe to victory in Friday's opening-day feature at Turf Paradise, the $45,000 Walter R. Cluer Memorial.

Owned by Dennis Weir and trained by Dan McFarlane, the 3-year-old bided his time on the rail well back in eighth in the field of 10 going 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf, saw his way blocked along the inside into the lane but swung out, found room, and blasted home to get the win by a length.

Organ Pipe, who had been successful here last winter/spring, was returning from Southern California. He covered the distance in 1:29.77 and paid $4.80 as the favorite. The winner's share of $27,000 pushed his career earnings to $77,424 from 2 wins in 13 starts.

Skipaslew, another Southern California invader, rallied from last to be second, over two lengths ahead of Preferred Yield who also rallied from well back to get third. Second choice Night Dash closed from ninth to be third in midstretch but flattened out, ending up fourth.

The trophy was presented by Sherry Martin, great-granddaughter of the race's namesake, Walter Cluer, who founded Turf Paradise in 1956.