Packs a Wahlop looks solid in Zuma Beach victory

ARCADIA, Calif. - Packs a Wahlop is behaving like a colt twice his age as he collects stakes wins for juvenile milers on turf in Southern California.

After winning the Del Mar Juvenile Turf by 4 1/4 lengths on Sept. 10 in his stakes debut, Packs a Wahlop won Sunday’s Grade 3 Zuma Beach Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths at Santa Anita.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith was aboard for both wins, as well as for Packs a Wahlop’s turf debut in a maiden special weight race at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 5.

“On top of a big, beautiful stride, he’s really athletic and he has a nice, high-cruising speed,” Smith said. “He doesn’t act like a 2-year-old. I think he’s 4.”

The wins will lead Packs a Wahlop to starting in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 4.

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Trained by Jeff Mullins, Packs a Wahlop raced in third or second through the first six furlongs of the $203,000 Zuma Beach Stakes. Castleknock (44-1) set a solid pace of 22.85 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, and 46.70 for a half-mile, with Packs a Wahlop within a length of the front midway through the race.

Smith moved Packs a Wahlop into contention in early stretch before the colt pulled clear. Packs a Wahlop was timed in 1:34.07 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 82.

Castleknock held second, finishing 1 1/4 lengths in front of 12-1 Malibu Coast, who closed along the rail through the final quarter-mile.

Gas Me Up finished fourth, followed by For A Laugh, Dandy Man Shines, Ah Jeez, Russells Hustle, Giver Not a Taker, Suburban Prince and De la Luna.

Packs a Wahlop, by Creative Cause, races for Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal. Bought for $270,000 at a 2-year-olds in-training sale in April, Packs a Wahlop has earned $230,000.

Packs a Wahlop finished fourth in a maiden special weight at five furlongs on a sealed and sloppy track at Gulfstream Park in June.

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