Yavapai track report

Classy Cade had done little wrong in his first nine Thoroughbred starts, finishing first or second in each. Of course, all that work came against claimers, save for a try here two years ago against Quarter Horse stakes foes in which he was a nonthreatening last of seven.

That one hiccup aside, trainer Thomas Crowley and owner Carolyn Crowley obviously liked what they saw when they claimed the 5-year-old gelding here June 19 off a big win over $5,500 Arizona-bred claimers. They liked it so much they moved him up to take on 10 others in Tuesday's $15,000 Yavapai Downs Handicap.

Their optimism was lost on no one. Sent off the 2-1 favorite under jockey Michael Iammarino, Classy Cade broke alertly from his rail draw in the 5 1/2-furlong event, chased pacesetter Motivo, blew by that rival into the lane, and drove clear to win by a comfortable two lengths.

Classy Cade covered the distance in 1:01.80 and paid $6.80 for the score. The $8,250 winner's check pushes his career earnings to $28,485 from five wins in 10 Thoroughbred starts.

The win not only validates the claim and his doggedness, but also stamps him a confirmed lover of Yavapai - he has now won five of his six Thoroughbred outings on this track.

His Way stalked midpack and put in a decent rally through the lane to finish second, more than three lengths clear of pacesetting Motivo, who tired back to third. Second choice Ended, also 2-1, was well back early and never able to muster the necessary run, ending up a well-beaten seventh.