Retama: French Assault attacks

French Assault rolled to an overpowering 11 3/4-length win in the $100,000 El Joven on Saturday night at Retama Park near San Antonio. The one-mile race for 2-year-olds was scheduled for turf, but was moved to the main track because of wet weather. Premeditation checked in second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Front Nine.

French Assault raced well off the pace in the early stages of the El Joven, then overtook the pacesetters into the stretch and cruised home. He covered one mile over a track rated fast in 1:40.62, and returned $12.

French Assault earned $60,000 for the win, which improved his career totals to two wins from five starts and earnings of $82,090. He races for the partnership of Richey and Strodes, is trained by Keith Desormeaux and was ridden to victory by E.J. Perrodin.

Two races earlier, Perrodin seemed on his way to winning the $100,000 La Senorita for 2-year-old fillies, but it was not to be. His mount, Sly Kona, dropped him when she ducked out at about the sixteenth pole after being in front by open lengths.

Victory Road rallied for the win, covering one mile over a main track rated fast in 1:44.02. It was a length back in second to Mightbeachamp, who was followed under the wire by Humble Dot.

Victory Road returned $4.80 as the favorite. She is owned by Leland Cook, is trained by Gerald Romero, and was ridden by Roman Chapa.