Pleasanton: Broken Sword romps in Juan Gonzalez Memorial

Highly touted Broken Sword lived up to her advance billing as she scored an 11-length victory in the $53,700 Juan Gonzalez Memorial on Saturday at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton.

The Broken Vow filly brushed the gate coming out under Russell Baze, but was third in a three-way head-and-head pace duel outside of leaders Island Fashion and Set’n On Ready through a brisk 21.81-second opening quarter.

Broken Sword ($3) was a head in front of Island Fashion at the quarter pole as she ran her opening half-mile in 44.99. She continued strongly down the stretch, expanding her margin with each stride as she won the 5 1/2-furlong stakes for 2-year-old fillies in 1:03.27.

Set’n On Ready, who faded on the turn, re-rallied for second ahead of Island Fashion, who broke slowly and rushed up to take the early lead.

A $20,000 Keeneland yearling purchase last September, Broken Sword earned $32,200 for her owners Mark Dedomenico, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, and George Todaro.