Wake Up Nick outclasses Graduation foes

DEL MAR, Calif. - Wake Up Nick remained unbeaten after three races with a comprehensive victory in Wednesday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes against California-bred 2-year-olds at Del Mar. After the race, trainer Doug O’Neill said the colt might start in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 3.

Wake Up Nick ($3.40) closed from third in a field of six with a wide rally to take the lead before the eighth pole and draw off by 4 1/4 lengths over Atta’ Boy Woody. Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Wake Up Nick ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.49.

“We thought we had the best horse in the race,” O’Neill said. “Mario rode with a ton of confidence.”

Atta’ Boy Woody, who was nine lengths off the pace on the backstretch, closed well to finish a clear second, a length in front of third-place Global Magician. Local Reason, Peradventure and London Legacy completed the order of finish. Colorado Strong was scratched after flipping in the paddock minutes before the race.

Wake Up Nick has won two stakes, beginning with the Santa Anita Juvenile on June 22. He was entered for the W.L. Proctor Stakes at Los Alamitos on July 13, but was withdrawn.

A Cindago colt owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam, Wake Up Nick beat maidens in his debut on May 1. Wake Up Nick has earned $165,600. He was purchased for $35,000 at the Barretts March sale of 2-year-olds in training earlier this year.

Wake Up Nick could start in the $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for California-breds over six furlongs on Sept. 1, but O’Neill said the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity over seven furlongs has greater appeal.

“Anything is possible,” O’Neill said. “You’ve got to think of it. It’s in our backyard. If he’s doing good, he deserves a chance. The way he ran down the lane, I don’t think seven furlongs will be a problem.”