Break Even Still Perfect After Purple Martin

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Klein Racing’s homebred Break Even took a step into the stakes waters on Saturday and emerged with a still-spotless record after wiring the Purple Martin Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Breaking well from post 8 as the slight 9/5 second choice under Colby Hernandez, Break Even rushed up effortlessly and crossed over to the rail while holding an easy 2-length lead through opening fractions of :22.28 and :45.64. Still well in hand as she turned for home, the Brad Cox trainee drew off without any encouragement. Break Even crossed with a 4 1/2-length lead in a final time of 1:10.15 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast track surface.

“I didn’t think I would have it that easy, but she just broke so sharp and she just took me there,” Hernandez said. “After that, I was just, ‘Go ahead, girl, do what you need to do.’ I was thinking maybe we would be just right off another horse. Then she broke out of there, I was like, ‘Well, we’ll change our plans.’ ”

Lady T N T tried to press the early pace but never threatened and was forced to stalk from second throughout before eventually crossing in that position, 3/4 of a length ahead of Tomlin. Fourth went to Istan Counceil, with the 8/5 favorite Bye Bye J and Taylor’s Spirit each a 1/2-length behind. Q G Girl, Carrizo, and Splashy Kisses completed the order of finish.

Break Even’s win was her third in as many starts, having both broken her maiden and taken a first-level allowance event at Fair Grounds in January. The 3-year-old daughter of Country Day has now earned $138,600.

Break Even returned $5.60 to win, $3.60 to place, and $3.40 to show. Lady T N T brought back $5.60 to place and $5.20 to show, while Tomlin paid $15 to show.