Thermonuclear Energy tops O'Dell-trained trifecta in Charger Bar

Thermonuclear Energy won her first stakes since last July in Sunday’s $100,000 Charger Bar Handicap at Los Alamitos, giving trainer Chris O’Dell a sweep of the first three placings.

Thermonuclear Energy, ridden by Eduardo Nicasio, broke from the outside post in a field of 10. The 6-year-old mare had a clean trip and won the 400-yard race by a half-length over 7-2 One Sweet Racy. A Political Lady, a 9-2 chance, finished third, a length behind Thermonuclear Energy, who was timed in 19.77 seconds and paid $4.60 as the favorite.

Thermonuclear Energy was second in the 2018 Charger Bar as the 6-5 favorite. She later won consecutive starts in the Ivan Ashment Handicap in June and the California Breeders’ Matron Stakes in July.

Owned by the Parsons Family Limited Partnership, Thermonuclear Energy was sixth in the Mildred Vessels Handicap in September, but was a game second by a head in the Las Damas Handicap in November in her final start of 2018.

Thermonuclear Energy, by Walk Thru Fire, has won 10 of 26 starts and earned $382,882.

O’Dell said Thermonuclear Energy will start in the Denim N Diamonds Handicap on Feb. 16 before she is scheduled to be bred via embryo transfer. Thermonuclear Energy is expected to resume training in the summer for a late season campaign, he said.