Narrowly favored Zackn'mat broke his maiden in impressive fashion this afternoon at Santa Anita Park, taking a seven-furlong, $56,000 maiden special weight by two lengths.
Ridden by Hector Berrios, Zackn'mat got off to a good start and settled just off the pace in a tight field as the horses came down the backstretch. Up front, Verne and Brannaman were battling for the early lead, with Sea to Sky on their outside in third while Boat Trip was tucked in fourth along the rail. The pace was moderate for the distance, with the leaders running the opening quarter mile in :22.48 and the half-mile in :44.23.
Entering the homestretch, Verne, Brannaman, and Boat Trip all gave way, allowing Sea to Sky to take a temporary lead. But Zackn'mat was getting into gear on the far outside, and burst clear of the field inside the final eighth of a mile to win the race in sharp fashion, stopping the clock in 1:22.38.
Stirred Up charged hard from last to finish second, while Mank rallied mildly for third.
-Keelerman
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