Risky Proposition points to San Luis Rey Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. –Risky Proposition, who was claimed twice in 2018, is bound for the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Stakes for turf marathoners on March 23 at Santa Anita after winning an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option Sunday.

Risky Proposition closed from eighth in a field of 11 to win the one-mile turf race by a half-length for his second win in his last three starts. Prior to the race, trainer Bill Spawr said he was concerned the one-mile distance was too short for Risky Proposition, who closed well under jockey Joe Talamo to record an 11-1 upset.

“He’s just that good,” Spawr said as he left the winner’s circle.

Risky Proposition was claimed for $50,000 from a seven-furlong race on dirt at Del Mar last July. A gelding, Risky Proposition has started on turf in all five subsequent starts. Last November at Del Mar, Risky Proposition won the restricted Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf in his stakes debut and was later seventh at 48-1 in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

The $200,000 San Luis Rey Stakes is run at 1 1/2 miles and will be the longest race of Risky Proposition’s career. Owned by Tom Acker, Barry and Judith Becker, Michael Bloom, Jon Lindo, and Thomas Wafer Jr., Risky Proposition has won 4 of 11 starts.

Spawr said he has seen changes in the 4-year-old in recent months.

“When you live with him and see him in the stall, he’s a different horse,” Spawr said. “He’ll get better with distance. He’ll run all day.”