Westwood secured his first stakes victory in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes, while Princesa Moche earned her initial U.S. stakes win in the Grade 3 Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday. Both races highlighted strong performances on the track for older horses. The victories came after previews anticipated competitive fields in the events.
In the Grade 3, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes, a 1-mile turf race for older fillies and mares, Princesa Moche overcame a challenging stretch run to win by a neck in a three-way photo finish. Ridden by Mirco Demuro for trainer Doug O'Neill, the 5-year-old Peruvian import stalked pacesetter Going Lucky through fractions of 23.73, 48.63, and 1:13.16 for six furlongs before surging late. Her winning time was 1:36.09, improving her record to 39: 12-4-5 with earnings over $170,000. Owned by Rancho San Roberto, Princesa Moche paid $7.00 to win, with Vibez second at $4.60 and Will Then third at $3.60.
Demuro noted, "I was a little scared because she relaxed a little too much at the last turn. It looked like she was going to get beat. But then she switched leads down the stretch and she fought like always." O'Neill praised her toughness: "I've never had a horse from Peru. She's average size, but I've told people she's like Tanner from 'Bad News Bears.' Just tough as nuts."
Earlier, previews had pegged Public Assembly as the 5-2 favorite after a troubled run in the Robert J. Frankel Stakes, but she finished fourth. Trainer Phil D'Amato's Sigh No More made her local debut but did not factor prominently.
In the Grade 2, $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes for older horses at 1 1/8 miles, Westwood rolled to a gate-to-wire victory by 2 3/4 lengths under Kazushi Kimura for trainer John Shirreffs. Racing without blinkers for the first time, the 4-year-old Authentic gelding set fractions of 24.24, 48.42, and 1:12.32, holding off Getaway Car in the stretch. The final time was 1:50.52. Westwood, owned by C R K Stable, paid $8.40 to win and boosted his record to 10: 2-3-3 with over $310,000 in earnings.
Shirreffs said, "You ever hear of a horse that likes to pedal? He's a good pedaler. He likes a challenge." Kimura added, "He broke well without blinkers. I thought why not go to the lead. He was comfortable and got in a nice rhythm."
Pre-race talk centered on Pony Express as the favorite, but he was scratched by veterinarians. Other contenders included Bartholdy in third and Midnight Mammoth fifth. Westwood's win marked his fourth stakes attempt, following placings in the Santa Anita Derby and Native Diver Stakes last year.
