Patriots Rule ends losing streak in Crystal Water

ARCADIA, Calif. – Patriots Rule ended a six-race losing streak with an upset win in Saturday’s $100,500 Crystal Water Stakes for California-bred turf milers at Santa Anita.

The key to victory was a wide trip and a late rally, trainer Robertino Diodoro said.

“He doesn’t like to run on the inside of horses,” Diodoro said. “He needs a little pace and a clean trip.”

Ridden by regular rider Fernando Perez, Patriots Rule closed from last of seven to win by 1 1/4 lengths over the multiple stakes winner Awesome Return, a 5-2 shot. Weewinnin, another multiple stakes winner, set the pace and held third, followed by Forest Chatter, China Prince, The Custodian, and Lucky J Lane.

Forest Chatter was the 9-5 favorite. The Crystal Water was his stakes debut following four consecutive wins since January.

Patriots Rule ($19) ran a mile on turf in 1:36.83.

A 4-year-old gelding owned by Charles Garvey, Patriots Rule has won 5 of 17 starts and earned $335,480. The Crystal Water was Patriot Rule’s first win since an optional claimer here last October. He won the E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old sprinters at Los Alamitos last September.

Patriots Rule was fifth in the Sensational Star Stakes on the hillside after a slow start Feb. 21 and fifth in an optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on turf May 8 in his only subsequent start. Diodoro said he stuck with Perez for the Crystal Water even though Patriots Rule was not winning.

“He’s had a couple of rough trips,” Diodoro said. “A lot of guys have been telling us to switch riders, but he knows the horse better than anything.”