Zestful validates claim by winning Bull Dog Stakes
Zestful, claimed for $80,000 two races back, wasn't seriously challenged as he won the $76,350 Bull Dog Stakes on Sunday’s closing day at the Big Fresno Fair.
Zestful was claimed from a photo loss on Aug. 22 at Del Mar by trainer Peter Miller for HMA Stable and Tom Kagele. The 6-year-old Ghostzapper gelding ran fifth after being compromised at the break in his first start for his new connections in a stakes at Albuquerque.
On Sunday, he broke nicely under Irving Orozco and was content to sit a half-length behind pacesetting Sash while racing three wide early. He took the lead after six furlongs, opened a two-length lead in the stretch, and finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of runner-up Honos Man. Tesoro ran third, another three lengths back.
Zestful ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.19. He paid $5.80 to win as the favorite.
“It was a nice trip,” said Miller. “He got a really good ride from Irving.
“He's got a lot of talent. He's got a big heart, and he's tough when he makes the lead, but he just likes to be close early. That last time was a non-race because he was eliminated at the break.”
Zestful earned $45,000 for his win in the Bull Dog, his 11th victory in 37 starts. He has earned $424,892.