Cazadero Blows Field Away in Bashford Manor
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Photo: Coady Photography
Cazadero wins the Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs
Stonestreet Stables' Cazadero turned heads once more June 27 with another easy win in the $100,000 Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.
The 2-year-old son of Street Sense impressed on debut May 29 with an 8 3/4-length victory in a maiden special weight at Churchill, and proved himself in the graded ranks Saturday under Ricardo Santana Jr.
It was County Final that broke on top in the six-furlong Bashford Manor and set the pace under jockey James Graham. The two lead the field by a solid 1 1/2 lengths through a :45.12 half-mile while being chased by Hulen just off the rail.
Cazadero and Santana Jr. stalked the leaders in the three path and remained within striking distance. With what is fast becoming his signature kick, the colt kicked forward in the lane and was in front by a half-length at the top of the stretch. Drawing off even further through midstretch, Cazadero ran virtually unchallenged all the way to the finish and crossed the wire 4 3/4 lengths clear in 1:09.73.
County Final held on to take second followed by Herd Immunity in third. Hulen, Hyperfocus, Gatsby, and Crown and Coke completed the order.
"He is an incredibly nice horse," Santana said. "We sat in a really good spot today and was very comfortable. He kept finding his stride throughout the stretch."
Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet, Cazadero is the eighth foal out of the Forest Wildcat mare Wild Gams, who has also produced grade 3 placed Almost Famous and stakes winner Mt. Brave. The Steve Asmussen trainee has earned $106,160 from both wins.
"He was a later foal (born May 8, 2018) but we knew he was wickedly fast," said Barbara Banke of Stonestreet. "He grew up on our farm and has showed that speed in his two starts."