Perez gives Legacy Square a winning trip in Chris Loseth Handicap
Jockey Amadeo Perez offered a prime example as to why he is the top rider at Hastings when guiding favored Legacy Square to victory in the $50,000 Chris Loseth Handicap on Sunday afternoon.
From the opening bell of the 1 1/16-mile race, Legacy Square was sent along from his inside post. Entering the first of three turns, Perez decided he didn't want to be there and risk getting embroiled in a pace duel. The rider confidently took a snug hold of his charge who dropped back steadily while saving ground and beginning to relax.
The pair bided their time while measuring the leaders and at times out-maneuvering their opponents to always be in the right spot at the right time. With about two furlongs to run, Legacy Square was driving up along the inside to gain command on the way to a smart half-length victory over Accidental Hero. It was another 3 1/4 lengths back to pace-etter Lucky Force, who finished third.
Legacy Square took home the winner's share of $27,500 and increased his bankroll to $184,250 for owners Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds and James Redekop. The winner is trained by Edgar Mendoza, and the popular choice paid $3.90 to his backers.
Co-featured on the Sunday card was the $50,000 Supernaturel Handicap, which was won in comfortable wire-to-wire fashion by Air Force, who was never really threatened on her way to a 3 1/4-length victory. Favorite Key to Success narrowly held second by a nose over Force to Rekn With.
Antonio Reyes rode the winner for trainer Keith Pedersen and owners Dennis, Peter and Morris Dale, and Ed Welsh. With the victory, Air Force boosted her lifetime earnings to $146,850 on five wins from seven starts. She returned $6.20 to win.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.