Supersonic Blue's late speed gives him John Shear victory

ARCADIA, Calif. - Minutes after he underwent a shoe repair in the saddling area, Supersonic Blue won Sunday’s $100,500 John Shear Stakes for 3-year-old turf sprinters at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Edwin Maldonado, Supersonic Blue ($19.80) set the pace and proved too tough to catch in the final furlong, winning by a half-length over 3-1 Cali Cat. Artislas, the 13-10 favorite, finished third, a nose behind Cali Cat.

Supersonic Blue, the second-longest shot in a field of six, won for the second time in his third start in the Shear Stakes, his stakes debut. Sunday’s race was Supersonic Blue’s first race since a maiden-race win at six furlongs on turf in January.

In the Shear Stakes, Maldonado had Supersonic Blue in front shortly after the start, leading by two lengths through an opening quarter-mile in 22.13 seconds. The lead shrunk slightly, to 1 1/2 lengths, after a half-mile in 43.75. While Cali Cat closed from third, Supersonic Blue held off that rival, finishing about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course in 1:12.45. Supersonic Blue earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 74.

“He had speed on his mind,” winning trainer Neil Drysdale said. “I was concerned when I saw the 43. He was doing it quite easily. He was comfortable.”

Artislas was followed in the order of finish by Muscled, Incanto and Toughness.

Supersonic Blue was found to need a shoe repair when the field was being saddled. The repair was handled quickly by noted farrier Wes Champagne.

Supersonic Blue, a gelding by Air Force Red, races for owner and breeder Stepaside Farm LLC.

Supersonic Blue finished second in his career debut in a maiden race at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar in November. He has earned $154,800.

Artislas was favored on the basis of two stakes wins for 2-year-olds at a mile on turf at Del Mar and Santa Anita last year, the most recent of which was his last start in the Eddie Logan Stakes at a mile on turf in late December.

Artislas was well positioned in early stretch of the Shear, but could not catch Supersonic Blue. Trainer Jeff Mullins said Artislas will benefit from the race.

“He needed one,” Mullins said.

On Friday, Mullins said Artislas will resume racing around two turns later this spring.

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