OLDSMAR, FL – Stonehedge homebred Liam’s Lucky Charm took control early and never relented, taking the field gate to wire while sporting blinkers for the first time in Saturday’s $125,000 Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
Breaking from the rail under Edgard Zayas as the 7/5 favorite, Liam’s Lucky Charm used his early turn of foot to outrun My Man Flintstone for the early lead. With both that foe and Albert Park tracking him closely from the outside, Liam’s Lucky Charm posted opening fractions of :22.36 and :44.66 through the far turn.
Nearing the top of the stretch, Liam’s Lucky Charm drifted out a path, carrying his two outside pressers with him and creating an opening along the inside for No Getting Over Me. Zayas straightened out his Ralph Nicks-trained steed at the top of the stretch, and from there, it was all over.
Kept to task until the late stages, Liam’s Lucky Charm finished a widening 5 1/2 lengths the best in a final time of 1:21.75 for the 7-furlong sprint over the fast main track.
Albert Park overcame being pushed out to the middle of the track to take second by 1 1/2 lengths over No Getting Over Me, who failed to capitalize on the open rail opportunity. He’s Smokin Now took fourth over a weakened My Man Flintstone, while behind them came Golden Candy and Big Yes to complete the order of finish.
Liam’s Lucky Charm’s win was his second at the stakes level, having won the FTBOA Florida Sire Affirmed Stakes by a head over eventual Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Chance It on August 31, 2019. The Florida-bred 3-year-old son of Khozan improved his career mark to 6-3-1-2 with $338,800 earned.
Liam’s Lucky Charm returned $4.80 to win, $3 to place, and $2.20 to show. Albert Park brought back $4 to place and $3 to show, while No Getting Over Me paid $2.80 to show.
