Collusion Illusion Improves to 4-for-5 in Laz Barrera

Although it appeared Ragtime Blues had the upper hand at the top of the stretch, the Mark Glatt-trained Collusion Illusion had only begun to fight and motored to a 3 1/4-length score in the $100,000 Lazaro Barrera Stakes (G3) June 20 at Santa Anita Park.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, the bay colt by Twirling Candy  raced 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.03, leaving his connections at least thinking about the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs Sept. 5.

"It's on our radar," said Glatt, whose trainee galloped out far in front. "We paid the late supplement ($3,000). I don't know what's next. I just wanted to get by today. We'll need to stretch him out and figure out how to get enough points."

Breaking alertly from the rail in a field of five, Collusion Illusion was unhurried early as Phantom Boss and Ragtime Blues disputed the early running with fractions of :21.90 and :44.73. With Mike Smith encouraging Ragtime Blues, he appeared to get the jump on Collusion Illusion as he opened a 2 1/2-length advantage a quarter mile from home.

"Mike Smith opened up a little at the turn, so I wasn't super confident, but I knew as soon as we turned for home, if we switched leads, he would give me a good kick," said Prat, who is 3-for 3 aboard the colt.

Following a stirring three-length allowance optional claiming win under Prat May 17 going six furlongs after a 7 1/2-month layoff, Collusion Illusion went off at 2-5 odds and paid $2.80.

"He had me a little worried there at the top of the stretch, but I think he's a pretty smart horse, and Flavien has a lot of confidence in him," Glatt said. "He's very athletic. There's no wasted action in his stride."

Ragtime Blues, who had won two of his three starts and was trying stakes competition for the first time, tired late but finished 3 1/4 lengths in front of longshot Howbeit in third.

Last year, Collusion Illusion won his first two starts, a July maiden race and the Best Pal Stakes (G2), both at Del Mar. He was pulled up in the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah Stakes (G1) in September at Santa Anita in his final start at 2. His four victories have all come sprinting.

He made $60,000 Saturday to increase his earnings to $248,751 for owners Dan Agnew, Rodney Orr, Jerry Schneider, and John Xitco.

Bred in Florida by Donald Dizney, Collusion Illusion is the first foal out of the unraced First Dude  mare Natalie Grace, a half sister to graded stakes winners Bahamian Squall  and Apriority. He was a $300,000 purchase by Glatt from Mayberry Farm's consignment to the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.