Class Lifts Shoplifted to Springboard Mile Victory

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The pure class of Shoplifted was able to lift him up in the final stages of a thrilling stretch duel to capture Sunday’s $400,000 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park.

Breaking from post 9 at 4/1 odds under Ricardo Santana, Jr., Shoplifted settled into mid-pack early while running three-wide in the clear. Up front, fellow Steve Asmussen trainee Rowdy Yates dueled with Alternate Time and Maximiliano through opening fractions of :23.49, :47.75, and 1:13.34.

Heading into the far turn, Shoplifted tipped out to run four-wide, hot on the heels of Embolden. Near the top of the stretch, Embolden scooted ahead to take the lead, but Shoplifted and the 3/5 favorite Answer In each posed a serious threat.

Shoplifted split outward to slide up along the leader’s outside, while Answer In snuck between Embolden and the rail. The three sprinted away from the rest of the field as the wire neared.

Poking his head in front near the 1/16 pole, Shoplifted’s class edge helped him prevail over the bettors’ favorite by a head, with Embolden just a 1/2-length behind them. Shoplifted completed the mile event over the fast main track in a final time of 1:37.95.

“He broke really well today,” said Santana, Jr. “He was sharp and finished very strong for me. I knew he might be something special when he broke his maiden at Saratoga.

It was 14 lengths back to fourth-place finisher Jungle Runner, the race’s third Asmussen entry, while Maximiliano faded to fifth. South Gate was sixth ahead of Rowdy Yates, while behind them came Kirkcules, Slew Tang Clan, Alternate Time, and Shipman’s Song to complete the order of finish.

Piece of Work was scratched.

The Springboard Mile is part of the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby prep race season. Shoplifted earned 10 points for the win, with Answer In receiving 4 for second, Embolden 2 for third, and Jungle Runner 1 for fourth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F09BSLUjOdQ

Shoplifted’s win improved his record to 5-2-1-0 with $385,500 earned for co-owners Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stables, and LNJ Foxwoods. The 2-year-old son of Into Mischief broke his maiden on debut before taking on the Hopeful Stakes (G1), the American Pharoah Stakes (G1), and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

“I have to give Steve Asmussen credit,” said Everett Dobson of Cheyenne Stables. “He told me (Shoplifted) could be competitive here and in this race and we’re thrilled we came. I have great partners in this horse and they couldn’t be any happier. It’s great to be back in Oklahoma and win a race!”

Shoplifted returned $10.60 to win, $4 to place, and $3 to show. Answer In brought back $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show, while Embolden paid $4.20 to show.