Wind River Stable, et al.’s NORTHERN SOLDIER (Yankee Victor) took the lead
from early leader Remembering Star (Wild Wonder) at the head of the stretch and outgamed that one to the wire en route to a three-quarters of a length score in
the $150,000
Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G2) at Hollywood Park on Saturday. Breaking
sharply beneath Chance Rollins, Northern Soldier was always prominent and saved
his best for last in taking his stakes debut. The final time for the seven
furlongs over the fast track was 1:22 2/5, and the Brian Koriner charge returned
$21.40, $9.20 and $4.20 while topping the $59.80 exacta ($1), $189.80 trifecta
($1) and $1,411.10 superfecta ($1) at 9-1.
Remembering Star was fastest along the rail and fought back gamely after
being passed in the lane, but ultimately settled for the place spot. The 6-1
shot paid $7.80 and $4.20. Arson Squad (Brahms), the 6-5 favorite, had just one
horse passed at the top of the stretch but closed stoutly to gain third, missing
the first prize by just 1 1/2 lengths. The late runner was good for $2.80.
Ghazwan (Yes It’s True) completed the healthy super at 53-1. Jealous Profit (Trippi),
Hey Slick (Society Max) and 2-1 second choice Quietly Go (Real Quiet) rounded
out the order of finish. Get Funky
(Straight Man) and Corazondelcampeon (Comic Strip) were withdrawn.
Bred in Kentucky by Pegasus Stud and Ledgelands LLC, the winner was purchased
at the 2005 OBS April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale for $30,000. He is out of
the winning Carson City mare Adorable Lydia, and has a pair of unnamed
half-siblings, a yearling filly by Yonaguska and a 2006 colt by Tale of the Cat.
Northern Soldier is now perfect from three career outings, upping his
bankroll to $123,550 in the process.