Pee Wee Reese flirts with course record in Sensational Star

ARCADIA, Calif. - Pee Wee Reese just missed the course record for about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course with a front-running win in Sunday’s $100,351 Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita.

Ridden by a delighted Drayden Van Dyke, Pee Wee Reese was timed in 1:10.84 and finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Eddie Haskell, the 3-2 second choice. The course record of 1:10.73 was set in 2014 by Eddie’s First. The favorite, Pee Wee Reese paid $4.60 to win.

Pee Wee Reese earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 102.

Pee Wee Reese set an early pace of 21.15 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 42.85 for a half-mile. The fast final time surprised Van Dyke, who did not think Pee Wee Reese was moving that quickly.

“He was well within himself,” Van Dyke said. “He was nice and relaxed even with the final time. He gave me a nice kick down the lane.”

Pee Wee Reese led by two lengths with a furlong remaining. Eddie Haskell finished 1 1/4 lengths clear of Brandothebartender, who won the California Flag Handicap for statebreds on turf here in October.

Minister of Soul finished fourth, followed by Tule Fog and Start a Running in the field of six.

The Sensational Star was Pee Wee Reese’s first start since a fourth in the Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar last August. Pee Wee Reese was vanned off after that race but did not sustain a serious injury and was given a rest, D'Amato said.

Owner and breeder Nick Alexander said Pee Wee Reese has dealt with suspensory issues throughout his career.

By Tribal Rule, the 6-year-old Pee Wee Reese has won 7 of 14 starts and earned $412,901. The Sensational Star was Pee Wee Reese’s third stakes win.