Abaan, ridden by Luis Saez, winning the H. Allen Jerkens in his stakes debut for Todd Pletcher
Alex Daigneault and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Abaan set all the fractions while racing loose on the lead before drawing clear to a three-length victory in Friday’s $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, the 4-year-old son of Will Take Charge, who galloped the first mile in 1:44.56, ran the two miles of the turf stakes named in memory of the legendary Hall of Fame trainer in 3:24.24 under Luis Saez.
“Today, he controlled the pace and when I came into the stretch, I had a lot of horse,” Saez said. “It was a long distance, but every step he felt comfortable. He just did it pretty easy.
The 7-5 favorite, coming off a dominating 1 3/8-mile optional claiming allowance victory at Aqueduct, was victorious in his stakes debut in the Jerkens.
Ajourneytofreedom, the 8-5 second choice ridden by Paco Lopez, chased Abaan throughout the two miles and had to settle for second. Fantasioso checked in third after racing in third through most of the race.
Who’s Hot: Jockey Chantal Sutherland and trainer Jorge Delgado teamed for a double with King Cairo ($7.20) in Race 4 and Yes I’m a Beast ($3.40) in Race 7.
Trainer Armando De La Cerda saddled a pair or winners: Science Friction ($17.40) in Race 2 and California Frolic ($16.40) in Race 9.
Paco Lopez rode a pair of winners: Thelastbulletsmine ($6.60) in Race 3 and Lookinlikeaqueen ($11) in Race 6.
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