Mi Hemano Ramon (#1 red cap) gets the win over the Wizard of Westwood (pink cap) by a neck. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Santa Anita Press Box
ARCADIA, Calif.—Longshot Wizard of Westwood would’ve made his namesake proud as he relaxed and controlled Sunday’s $100,000 Singletary Stakes but just missed on the money as favored Mi Hermano Ramon was able to get up and win by head under Umberto Rispoli. Trained by Mark Glatt, Mi Hermano Ramon got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:48.70.
Although he bobbled slightly leaving the gate, Wizard of Westwood was quickly in control under Abel Cedillo through fractions of 23.96, 49.05, 1:13.17 and 1:37.21 and he enjoyed a one length edge a furlong from home over a group of four pursuers.
Allowed to idle mid-way around the turn, Mi Hermano Ramon, under confident handling, found himself fifth, with about 3 ½ lengths to make up turning for home with modest splits to overcome.
“He is obviously a really good horse and if you look back at his race at Keeneland…Webslinger (third in the Grade III Transylvania going 1 1/16 miles on turf at Keeneland April 7) came back and won at a big price yesterday at Churchill Downs (Grade II American Turf),” said Ryan Glatt, assistant to his father, Mark. “…If you really look at the form, you can pick this horse out. It was a slow pace today, but he got the job done.”
Fourth, beaten three lengths in the Transylvania, Mi Hermano Ramon was off at 3-2 in a field of six 3-year-olds and paid $5.00, $3.20 and $2.40.
Bred in Kentucky by Red Baron’s Barn, Mi Hemano Ramon is a chestnut gelding by Creative Cause out of the Suances mare Sassy Suances. Owned by his breeder along with Rancho Temescal and raced exclusively on turf in all five of his starts, Mi Hermano Ramon posted his first stakes win and his third overall victory. With the winner’s share of $60,000, he increased his earnings to $169,700.
“I was surprised a little bit when Game Time (one of three Michael McCarthy trainees and the eventual fourth place finisher) took back today,” said Rispoli, who was aboard for the first time. “…I had a ton of horse underneath me and I was just trying to put him in the clear. Credit to the barn, to Mark and everybody.”
In a gallant effort, Wizard of Westwood, off at 7-1 finished a half length better than his stablemate Escape Artist and paid $6.60 and $3.60.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Escape Artist was off at 3-1 and paid $2.80 to show while finishing three quarters of a length in front of Game Time, who was the second choice in the race at 2-1 with Juan Hernandez.
Live racing resumes with first post time for an eight-race card on Friday at 1 p.m. Admission gates will open at 11 a.m. and Santa Anita will offer free parking and admission along with $3.00 beers and $5.00 margaritas.
$100,000 Singletary Stakes
Jockey Quotes
Umberto Rispoli, Mi Hermano Ramon, Winner: “I was surprised a little bit when Game Time took back today. I had a ton of horse underneath me, and I was just trying to put him in the clear. Credit to the barn, to Mark and everybody.”
Trainer Quotes
Ryan Glatt, Assistant Trainer, Mi Hermano Ramon, Winner: “He is obviously a really good horse and if you look back at his race in Keeneland. Webslinger (Grade II, American Turf) came back and won at a big price yesterday at Churchill Downs. He beat Johannes and he beat Game Time. If you really look at the form, you can pick this horse out. It was a slow pace today, but he got the job done.
“He galloped out way past everybody. We think he can preferably run at a further distance. They have the Saratoga Derby it is a special on turf for three-year-olds later this year for a lot of money and they have the Del Mar Derby, so we have a lot of options.”
Owner Quotes
Tim Cohen, Mi Hermano Ramon, Winner: “I was stoked it is a great day. I’ve got the real Hermano Ramon here today.”
Ramon, Mi Hermano Ramon, Winner: “He’s a beautiful horse. Every time I come here he’s won. Just how athletic he is, we think he may be one of the best horses in the country.
