4-5 favorite The Factor proved just how brilliant he is tonight at Santa Anita, holding off every one of his rivals to win the San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) by a length.
The Factor had to work hard for the win. First, he had to duel the speedy City Cool into submission. To accomplish this feat he had to run the opening half-mile in :43.41. Then he had to hold off Sway Away, who turned in a tremendous rally in the final eighth of a mile. The Factor accomplished this too, hitting the wire a length in front of Sway Away while completing the seven furlong race in 1:20.34.
One must give credit to Sway Away, who rallied furiously in the stretch. Had the race been much longer, he would have been the winner. He looks like a serious Triple Crown contender who will relish additional distance.
Premier Pegasus ran a game race too, finishing third after tracking the early pace. Surrey Star finished fourth.
The winner is trained by Bob Baffert and was ridden by Martin Garcia. A $2 bet on the winner returned $3.80.
-Keelerman
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