Benchpoints outruns Runflatout in the Lazaro Memorial Stakes
Fans rooting for Runflatout might have been disappointed as Bench Points won the Lazaro Barrera Memorial Stakes. He gave a nudging defeat to Runflatout while rallying from last to earn himself the fifth win in the one-turn race. The 3-year-old has had five
wins from seven starts and his earnings are a total of $278,280. Lazaro Memorial Stakes was held over the cushion track surface on May 15, 2011.
Rafael Bejarano had the reigns of Bench Points. He guided the colt along the seven furlongs in a time span of 1:22.50. Bejarano having faith in his horse’s ability knew that he was in the race for a battle with Runflatout.
He commented on this, saying, “I knew Runflatout was going to be tough at the end, so that's why when I saw him move a little bit from the three-eighths [pole], I tried to get close to him”.
Bench Points paid $4.40, $2.40 and $2.10 as the 6-5 favourite. The son of Benchmark appeared to be heading to an easy victory in the final furlong but was given a last minute challenge as he passed the sixteenth pole by Runflatout. The two duelled fiercely
as they raced for the wire with Bench Points barely making it ahead of Runflatout.
The other rivals were Ain’t No Other, Flightofalifetime and Sinai. Ain’t No Other settled for the third position. Ain’t No Other had Patrick Venezuela aboard him and was battling for a fifth win for trainer Steve Miyadi.
Flightofalifetime set a strong pace but had to settle for the fifth position. He has jockey, Martin Garcia, aboard him. The runner up, Runflatout, had Garrett Gomez as his jockey.
Bench Points is trained by Tim Yakteen. Yakteen spoke of the colt’s commendable performance, saying, “Mission accomplished. Everything worked out well for us, Obviously, it's a reflection on the horse himself. His first work back after the rest was such
an impressive effort. He really sparkled. That gave me a lot of confidence”.
Bench Points previously stood seventh in the Santa Anita Derby held on April 9, 2011. He also finished third in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/6 miles.
As a 2-year-old he broke his maiden in 2010 and he also won the Graduation Stakes and the I’m Smokin Stakes. Both races were held in 2010 at Del Mar.
Yakteen does not have any regrets about not sending Bench Points to Churchill Downs to have a shot at the Kentucky Derby. He believes the gelding is at the peak of his sprinting career.
Yakteen conditions Bench Points for owners Donnie Crevier, Linda Mariani, Charles Martin, and Mary Jo Zuraitis.
Bench Points is out of the mare, Mo Chuisle.
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