Stakes winner Merit Man retired to stud at Lovacres Farm

Stakes winner Merit Man has been retired from racing and will stand at stud in California in 2015.

Merit Man, a 4-year-old colt by With Distinction, will stand at Lovacres Farm in Warner Springs, Calif., for an advertised fee of $5,000.

Owned by a partnership, Merit Man won 4 of 9 starts and $462,030. He was a three-time stakes winner, all in sprints – the Tim Conway Stakes over six furlongs at Santa Anita in 2012, the Spectacular Bid Stakes over six furlongs at Gulfstream Park in 2013, and the Green Flash Handicap over five furlongs on the synthetic track at Del Mar in August, his final start.

Merit Man was third behind eventual Kentucky Derby winner Orb in the Grade 1 Florida Derby over 1 1/8 miles in March, 2013, the longest race of his career. Merit Man, a Florida-bred out of the Precise End mare Precise Strike, was trained by Bob Hess, Jr.

Merit Man joins stakes winner Lakerville, a 6-year-old by Unusual Heat, as recently retirees headed to stud in California. Lakerville, winner of the Clocker's Corner Stakes at Santa Anita last January, will stand at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif.