Bobby’s Wicked One Wins Commonwealth

LEXINGTON, KY –  Bobby’s Wicked Way was much the best in Saturday’s Commonwealth Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. Breaking from the eleventh post, the four year old son of Speightstown sat off the leaders and exploded into the stretch to pick up his third consecutive win and his first career stakes win.

Recruiting Ready broke well on the inside to get to the front but Bobby’s Wicked One and Richesintheouse got up for the lead by the first call. They were joined by Warrior’s Club on the outside and Bobby’s Wicked Way sat just off the leaders. Into the second turn, New York Central made a big move as did Limousine Liberal, who came nearly seven-wide to challenge for the lead. Bobby’s Wicked Way meanwhile cut inside to the rail and cruised up into first. Warrior’s Club’s strong stretch run was good enough to hold on for second, 1 1/4 lengths back of Bobby’s Wicked Way. Limousine Liberal, following his wide stretch turn, made an impressive late run for third and was followed quickly by Recruiting Ready in fourth and New York Central in fifth.

Copper Town and Proforma were scratched.

Bobby’s Wicked Way is trained by Al Stall Jr. and is owned by Autumn Hills Farm Racing Stable LLC.

“We sent him out for the Malibu (G1) and he ran his eyeballs out. He couldn’t have run any better,” said winning trainer Al Stall Jr.  “Hooked McKinzie, was in a photo for second (and finished fifth). Came back to New Orleans, gave him a little breather, and I’ve never had a horse get in such good form as he’s been in his last two races. He won those two races down there in 1:09 and change and he was literally jogging. So we came to this race with a ton of confidence.”

Bobby’s Wicked Way returned $28.20 to win, $13.80 to place, and $7.40 to show. Warrior’s Club brought back $11.60 to place and $6.40 to show, while Limousine Liberal paid $3.80 to show.