Spotsgone goes wire to wire in Essex

Spotsgone led throughout for a length win over Jonesboro in the $100,000 Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park. It was another half-length back in third to Gouldings Green.

Spotsgone ($17.40) moved to the lead soon after the start of the 1 1/16-mile race for older horses, and put up fractions of 23.27 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.18 for the half-mile mark, and six furlongs in 1:12. He remained in command into the stretch, then held off charges from Jonesboro and Gouldings Green.

Spotsgone covered the distance over a fast track in 1:43.72. Joe Johnson rode the winner for trainer Jinks Fires.

Spotsgone, a 5-year-old son of Bright Launch, won the allowance prep for the Essex in January. He earned $60,000 and has now won 8 of 31 starts and $450,989. Spotsgone races for Robert Yagos. Last year, he two stakes at Arlington, the $148,000 Sea O'Erin on turf and the Grade 3 Hanshin Handicap on Polytrack.