Relatorre relishes route racing in Luke Kruytbotsch

Apparently moving to a route was what the doctor ordered for 3-year-old gelding Relatorre.

After romping over maidens going a mile at Turf Paradise on Nov. 26, Relatorre ($33.20) validated it with a handy victory in Friday’s $25,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes at the Phoenix track.

Owned by the Sowers Family Trust and trained by Dennis Sowers, Relatorre raced with mixed results in three sprints to start his career. He then nearly won a turf route here Oct. 20 before his big maiden win. In the Kruytbosch, he broke alertly from the rail in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, dueled on the early pace with Camp Verde, got the better of that rival going to the far turn, and drew off to win easily by 4 3/4 lengths under Chris Landeros.

Michael the Man stalked and stayed on for second, six lengths clear of Slews Approval, who was third in the field of eight. Camp Verde faded to sixth while 2-1 favorite Otto Von Voom was never really involved, finishing seventh.

Relatorre ran the distance in 1:44.08. The winner’s share of $15,000 pushes his career earnings to $24,740 from 2 wins in 6 starts.