A dedicated front-runner, Oregon-bred Boyett showed a new dimension on Thursday at Santa Anita, as he rallied from off the pace to take the day’s $60,000 allowance feature by three quarters of a length under Tyler Baze, covering one mile on turf in 1.34.98.
Trained by Mark Glatt, Boyett was taken off what was expected to be a fast pace going into the Club House turn and stayed there as Super Ability, with Martin Garcia up, set slow splits of 23.74, 48.05 and 1:11.30.
“Someone could have bet me $10,000 that they weren’t going to go 48 for the half mile, so we took him back but nobody went to the lead,” said Glatt. “I was a little concerned since they were walking on the front-end, but Tyler was able to get him in a great position and rode him perfect.”
The fourth choice in the wagering at 5-1, Boyett paid $13.80, $6.60 and $3.60. A 4-year-old gelding by Sharp Humor, he’s owned by his breeder, Dr. Rodney E. Orr. A gate to wire first condition allowance winner going 1 ¼ miles on turf May 1, Boyett picked up his fourth lifetime win from 13 starts. With the winner’s share of $36,000, he increased his earnings to $158,466.
“I just let him be the boss,” said Baze, who rode Boyett for the first time. “I just got along with him and kept him happy…He’s more of a grinder, so I didn’t want to move too soon and have him get tired. We hit the turn and we were outta there. He’s a nice horse, real classy.”
Ridden by Fernando Perez, Avare sat a close second to the furlong marker, made the lead, but couldn’t hold off the winner late, finishing second, one length in front of favored Jules Journey. Off at 15-1, Avare paid $12.00 and $6.20.
Ridden by Brice Blanc,
Jules Journey rated kindly off the pace, was full of run at the top of
the lane, but was in tight quarters a sixteenth out and finished third
while on terms with the top two. Off at 7-5, he paid $2.40 to show.
