Santa Anita: Plutarch Edges Intrepido in Robert B. Lewis
In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Plutarch emerged victorious in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, outpacing Intrepido in a late surge. This triumph marked Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's eighth consecutive win and 14th overall in the prestigious one-mile race for three-year-olds. The race was a testament to the competitive spirit of the sport.
Intrepido, a previous winner of the American Pharoah Stakes (G1), took the lead under Hector Berrios, but faced a formidable challenge from Plutarch and jockey Florent Geroux. The race unfolded with Plutarch and Intrepido racing side by side down the backstretch and around the second turn, showcasing the intensity of the competition. As the stretch approached, Plutarch began to pull away, but Intrepido fought back along the inside, resulting in a thrilling finish.
Plutarch, a colt by Into Mischief, secured his first stakes victory and inaugural win on dirt, crossing the finish line in 1:37.02. This triumph followed a third-place finish behind Intrepido in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) on dirt last year. Prior to that, Plutarch broke his maiden on turf at Del Mar on November 30, covering 1 1/8 miles.
Trainer Bob Baffert praised Plutarch's performance, drawing parallels to another of his successful horses, Authentic. Baffert expressed excitement about Plutarch's potential, suggesting that distance might not be a limiting factor. The victory improved Plutarch's record to 6: 2-2-2, with earnings surpassing $190,000. He is owned by the prestigious Coolmore operation, comprising Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
The race also featured Secured Freedom, making his two-turn debut for trainer Tim Yakteen, who finished third. Desert Gate, the 6-5 favorite trained by Baffert, checked in fourth after a slow start, followed by Baffert-trained stablemate Cherokee Nation in fifth. Jeff Mullins, the trainer of Intrepido, expressed satisfaction with his horse's performance, considering his long layoff.
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes not only showcased the talent of the horses but also the expertise of the trainers and jockeys. With Plutarch's victory, the race added another chapter to the rich history of Santa Anita, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future races and the potential for more memorable moments in the world of horse racing.
