Jerry Jamgotchian’s STRATHAM (Ire) (Mozart [Ire]) rallied on the inside in
the final moments of Sunday’s $100,000
Will Rogers S. (G3) at Hollywood Park to pull off the three-quarters of a length victory. The bay sophomore
colt rated in third under jockey David Cohen while Corazondelcampeon (Comic
Strip) rattled off splits of :24, :47 1/5 and 1:10 2/5 with New Joysey Jeff
(Bright Launch) lingering closely behind in second. Unable to keep pace the entire mile, Corazondelcampeon dropped back in the final furlong, giving New Joysey Jeff the
temporary lead. However, Stratham was able to move up along the rail to gain the
advantage past midstretch and complete the eight-furlong affair over the firm turf in
1:22 2/5.
The Tim Yakteen trainee left the gate at 7-1 to return $16.20, $6 and $4.20
for his efforts. New Joysey Jeff was able to hold on to second despite jockey
Jose Valdivia, Jr. losing the whip, and gave back $5 and $4.40 at 7-2 while
completing the $50.90 exacta ($1). Obrigado (Fr) (Enrique), who ran near the
back of the pack for a majority of the race, rallied for third another 1 3/4
lengths back in third to pay $5.60 at 7-1 and complete the 3-1-2 trifecta ($1) which
paid $443.
Corey County (High Yield), Niagara Causeway (Giant’s Causeway),
Corazondelcampeon and Silver Crest (GB) (Zilzal) completed the order of finish.
Bred in Ireland by Epona Bloodstock Ltd., Stratham is out of the winning Bean
Island (Afleet). This was the fourth North American start for Stratham, who
captured the La Puente S. in his last outing. In 11 career starts, the winning
colt has missed the board only twice, earning $191,993 in earnings with a
11-4-4-1 career line.