Prat, Mr. Hinx win Real Good Deal

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockey Flavien Prat began what could prove to be a fruitful weekend early Friday evening at Del Mar by guiding Mr. Hinx to victory in the $150,345 Real Good Deal Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds.

The stakes only get higher in coming days, for Prat was to ride Ransom the Moon in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby here on Saturday, then take the red-eye across the country to pilot Battle of Midway in the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth on Sunday.

Mr. Hinx ($11) took advantage of a sweet draw and had an ideal trip under Prat. Breaking from the outside post in the field of seven going seven furlongs, Mr. Hinx was lapped on the early pacesetter, Fly to Mars, through the opening half in 45.30 seconds, surged to the lead heading into the lane, then safely held off favored Ann Arbor Eddie and Edwards Going Left, who did not have a clear run behind the top two in the final furlong.

Mr. Hinx won by a half-length over Ann Arbor Eddie, with Edwards Going Left another 1 1/2 lengths back in third.

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Milton Freewater was fourth and was followed, in order, by Fly to Mars, Elwood J, and Dr. Troutman.

Mr. Hinx completed seven furlongs on the fast main track in 1:22.79.

“Good trip,” Prat said. “We had a great draw outside, we were able sit next to the leader, and when I asked him he opened up, jumped on the bridle, and got the job done.”

Mr. Hinx, a gelding by Ministers Wild Cat, has now won five times in eight starts, and is he is unbeaten in three dirt sprints, including the Echo Eddie Stakes, also for Cal-breds, at Santa Anita in April.

Gary Barber owns and bred Mr. Hinx, who is trained by Steve Miyadi. The $85,000 winner’s share brought his career earnings to $326,048.