Sir Wellington Pulls Mild Upset In Gazebo

HOT SPRINGS, AR – One week after teaming to win one of Oaklawn’s longest races – the 1 1/2-mile Temperence Hill – with Carlos L., trainer Mac Robertson and jockey Alex Canchari were back in the winner’s circle after taking Saturday’s $150,000 Gazebo Stakes, a 6-furlong sprint, with Xtreme Racing Stables LLC’s Sir Wellington.

Breaking from the rail, Sir Wellington sat behind the early speed as Lock Up shot out of the gate and held a 5-length advantage through an opening 1/4-mile in :21 flat. The winner moved within a 1/2-length after a 1/2-mile in :44 4/5, gained control at the top of the stretch, and had just enough to hold off a fast-closing Jaxon Traveler by head.

Game Day Play finished third, a 1/2-length in front of 4/5 favorite Cazadero. The winning time was 1:10 1/5 for 6 furlongs over a fast track. 

“I had a really good trip, really clean trip,” Canchari said. “I just want to thank the owners, Xtreme Racing, and Mac Robertson for the opportunity. He’s a really nice horse. I’m just lucky to be a pilot on him.”

Sir Wellington, a 3-year-old Palace colt, was winning for the third time in 6 career starts and has now earned $203,370. He returned $15.40, $4.60, and $3 as the 6/1 third choice in the field of six.

“Jaxon Traveler got in a little trouble and ran out of real estate,” Robertson said. “We’ll take it. He’s run 2 good races here. I don’t see any reason not to run him back here (in the $200,000 Bachelor Stakes April 24).”