Martha Wells’ Yanque is a now a multiple stakes winner after cruising to a 1 ½ length victory in the Scott Lewis Handicap on Friday at 550 yards at Los Alamitos.
The son of Favorite Cartel enjoyed his first career victory as a 2-year-old when he won The Plan Handicap in his seventh career starts. Now a veteran of 29 career starts, Yanquee enjoyed his sixth lifetime win after posting a runaway victory in this event. Yanque was never under big pressure after taking the lead. He had a 1 1/4 length lead early on and then sailed on to a clear victory over distance star Ballast Point.
Ridden by Ruben Lozano for trainer Matt Fales, Yanque covered the distance in :26.80. He earned $8,250 for the win to take his lifetime earnings to $141,511. He's finished in the money in 14 of his 29 career outings. His top finishes include a second place finish in the 2018 Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby, a third place effort in the Z. Wayne Griffin Directors Trials, and an appearance in the prestigious Champion of Champions.
Paul Jones and Terry Thompson's Ballast Point, who came into this race following an impressive win at 870 yards, was a clear second in this event. Ridden by Ramon Guce for trainer Paul Jones, Ballast Point was second in California Breeders 550-Yard Stakes back in late July. He earned $3,375 on Friday night to take his lifetime earnings to $25,590. Bf Farmhand, Mickey Ward, Dustys Classy Dash and A Mere Icon completed the field.
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