Stryker Phd continues local dominance with Longacres Mile victory

AUBURN, Wash. – Stryker Phd swept to a popular victory Sunday in the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile, his seventh successive stakes victory at Emerald Downs and a possible precursor to a start in the Breeder’ Cup Dirt Mile in November.

The heavy favorite in an 11-horse field, the late-running Stryker Phd took his customary route to the winner’s circle. Content to lag well back through the first half-mile under jockey Leslie Mawing while the leaders traded blows up front, Stryker Phd surged into contention on the turn, collared the leader Alert Bay at the top of the stretch, opened a clear advantage nearing the sixteenth pole, and easily held off Sammy Mandeville to prevail by one length. He covered the mile in 1:34.02 and paid $4.60.

Sammy Mandeville rallied widest and late under Alex Solis to get the place, a half-length ahead of Alert Bay and jockey Rico Walcott. They were followed by Noosito, Del Rio Harbor, Absolutely Cool, Fleet Eagle, Majestic City, Taylors Deal, Modern, and Prohibition.

Trainer Larry Ross said the Breeders’ Cup would be a consideration for Stryker Phd but perhaps not a likely destination. After earning $110,000 for his victory Sunday, Stryker Phd has taken in $485,651 for owners Jim and Mona Hour of Bellevue, Wash. He never has been worse than second in seven starts at one mile.

Stryker Phd, 6, is by Bertrando, a son of 1986 Longacres Mile winner Skywalker. His dam, Striking Scholar, is by Smart Strike. The Hours paid $40,000 for Stryker Phd at the 2010 Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association yearling sale.