Brickyard Ride Wires San Carlos

ARCADIA, CA – Alfred Pais homebred Brickyard Ride shot out to the lead from the start and never looked back, winning gate to wire in Saturday’s $200,000 San Carlos Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Brickyard Ride quickly took command after exiting post 6 under Alexis Centeno at 5/1 odds and set quick but uncontested opening fractions of :21.63 and :43.93.

Pulling away at the top of the stretch, the Craig Lewis trainee crossed 4 lengths much the best, completing the 7-furlong fast dirt sprint in 1:21.51.

“This is of big significance to me,” said Centeno after winning his first career graded stakes. “Craig Lewis gave me the opportunity to work this horse and since I’ve been on him, he’s run well for me and he’s comfortable with me.”

The 5/2 favorite Tigre Di Slugo edged Exaulted for second by a nose, while Major Cabbie was 2 1/4 lengths further back in fourth.

Storm the Court, Manhattan Up, Strongconstitution, Extra Hope, and Loud Mouth completed the order of finish.

Brickyard Ride’s win was his second at the stakes level following the local 6-furlong California Cup Sprint Stakes last time out against fellow California-breds. The 4-year-old Clubhouse Ride colt’s record now stands at 13-7-0-2 with $380,277 earned.

“Well, speed kills, and he killed today with his speed,” Lewis said. “He’s blessed with a lot of natural speed, obviously. He’s learning how to relax, he’s maturing. He’s a big, powerful horse. He reached for ground like a horse that could run forever. He’s starting to look like he could be the goods.”

Brickyard Ride returned $to win, to place, and to show. Tigre Di Slugo brought back to place and to show. Exaulted paid to show.