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Classical Slew Remains Perfect With Proctor Victory

Racing News
Posted 06.04.09 at 5:30

Classical Slew, under jockey Michael Baze, is unbeaten in two starts following a one-length victory in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes. (Benoit Photo)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (June 4, 2009) — Favorite Classical Slew took over when pace-setting stablemate Track N Attack tired in the stretch, rallying under jockey Michael Baze to remain perfect in two starts with a one-length victory Thursday in the $85,670 Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Park.

Classical Slew, owned by Joseph Lacombe and trained by Doug O’Neill, covered 5 ½ furlongs on Cushion Track in 1:03.69 while holding Grace Upon Grace at bay in the final sixteenth. Zip Quik finished third in the field of seven 2-year-olds, while second choice Track N Attack — also trained by O’Neill — faded to sixth. Coo Cachoo was a late scratch.

Classical Slew, a homebred son of Bernstein, broke his maiden in his career bow here May 13, cruising to a 5 ¼-length victory. The betting choice on the strength of that effort, he paid $4.40, $3 and $2.40. Grace Upon Grace returned $5 and $3.20, while the show payoff on Zip Quik was $4.40.

The victory as worth $48,150, raising Classical Slew’s earnings to $75,750.

Baze and Joel Rosario — the leading jockey with 41 wins through 28 racing days — each rode a pair of winners. O’Neill holds a commanding lead in the trainers’ standings with 21 wins.

While five favorites won on the eight-race program, the biggest surprise of the meeting came when Amir Cedeno guided 103-1 shot Sand Bridled to victory for trainer Roger Stein in the sixth race. The win payoff was a meet-high $208.20.

Racing resumes Friday night at Hollywood Park with first post at 7:05 p.m.

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