Stakes next stop for Cezanne after two-turn win

Cezanne, a $3.65 million purchase as a 2-year-old in 2019, is expected to have his next start in an undetermined stakes after winning his first start around two turns in an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option at a mile Thursday at Los Alamitos.

Cezanne is unbeaten in two starts, having also won a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs on June 6 at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, Cezanne ($2.20) stalked pacesetter Bronn to the turn and took the lead in early stretch. Prat gave Cezanne a few reminders with his whip in the final furlong.

Cezanne won by 1 3/4 lengths over 30-1 Mongolian Legend, finishing a mile in 1:35.99. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 85, slightly lower than a figure of 90 from his maiden race win.

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“I think it was a good race for him,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “It was workmanlike. We’re learning more about him. We know he’s a good horse.

“We’ll get him to Del Mar and see how he trains. That will move him up.”

By Curlin, Cezanne races for the Coolmore partnership and St. Elias Stable.

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