Stalking Tiger captures Haggin

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Making his first start for owner David Milch, Stalking Tiger remained unbeaten with a three-length victory in Saturday's $94,050 Haggin Stakes for 2-year-olds.

Milch acquired Stalking Tiger from trainer Paul Aguirre after the gelding won a maiden race for $40,000 claimers in his debut on May 29. Aguirre bought Stalking Tiger in May after the gelding was withdrawn from the Barretts 2-year-olds in-training sale.

Stalking Tiger was always prominent in the Haggin Stakes. Ridden by G.F. Almeida, Stalking Tiger fought with Patriot Dream through fractions of 21.86 and 45.22 seconds, took over in early stretch and was not threatened late, finishing 5 1-2 furlongs in 1:03.94.

Perfect Moon, who was sixth early, finished second, seven lengths clear of Dave the Dude in the field of seven.

The victory marked Aguirre's first stakes win at Hollywood Park.