Multiple Grade 2 winner Sunriver set an uncontested pace through leisurely fractions and cruised to his first Grade 1 win with a 2,75 length score in the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Hollywood Park.
The four-year-old Saint Ballado colt, a full brother to two-time champion Ashado, spurted clear on the final turn in the 2400m race and opened a commanding advantage. Sunriver was not seriously threatened in the lane and coasted to the wire in 2:27.07 on good turf.
"With a horse like this, and the major stallion prospect he is and the pedigree he has, we were focused on getting him his first Grade 1, so it was a big step for him" winning trainer Todd Pletcher said. He will be racing again next year, and he'll be staying in California.
