Papacoolpapacool stretches out to win La Puente

ARCADIA, Calif. – Papacoolpapacool proved to be more than a miler when he extended his winning streak to three races in Saturday’s $79,750 La Puente Stakes on turf at Santa Anita.

Starting at 1 1/8 miles for the first time, Papacoolpapacool ($3) had an ideal trip, drawing away through the stretch to win by 4 1/4 lengths for his second career stakes win.

Papacoolpapacool, who was timed in 1:49.47, was ridden for the first time by jockey Gary Stevens, who was confident the distance would not be an issue on the turn.

“It was a sweet, dream trip,” Stevens said. “I was hoping he’d win like he would. I knew at the three-eighths pole he’d be more effective at a mile and an eighth because he does have an explosive turn of foot.”

Hero Ten All, making his turf debut, closed from sixth in a field of eight to finish second, followed by Ride Hard Kowboy, Anytime Anyplace, Pretentious, Perfect Temptation, Ernest Shackleton, and Rockin Robin.

Papacoolpapacool is unbeaten in three starts since joining trainer Phil D’Amato’s stable in January. The streak includes an optional claimer Feb. 22 and the Pasadena Stakes on March 21. The La Puente was the most impressive win of Papacoolpapacool’s eight-race career, which includes four wins and earnings of $192,750.

“He is so confident right now,” D’Amato said. “He wants to win.”

Jeff Mullins, who trained Hero Ten All, trained Papacoolpapacool in 2014 and for his first start this year. Papacoolpapacool races for Cellist Racing Group and Ali Nilforushan. D’Amato said the gelding, by Temple City, will be pointed for the $500,000 Penn Mile for 3-year-olds on turf May 30 at Penn National.