Sky Defence prevails in Winsham Lad Handicap

Sky Defence became a stakes winner Sunday when he darted to a 3 3/4-length victory over L.A. Tower in the $65,000 Winsham Lad at Sunland Park. Forest Mouse, the 10-year-old seeking to win the race for the third consecutive year, finished third.

The Winsham Lad is a local steppingstone to the Sunland Park Handicap.

Sky Defence ($19.60) was content to sit off Town Extension and J Serino, who put up fractions of 23.68 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.74 for the half-mile. Sky Defence moved to the fore through six furlongs in 1:10.72 and increased his advantage through the stretch while covering a mile on a fast track in 1:35.31.

Ken Tohill rode the winner for trainer Susan Arnett.

Sky Defence is a son of First Defence and races for his breeder, Richard Lueck. The horse has now won seven races from 20 starts for earnings of $152,876.