Order And Law Ends Winless Streak in Cougar II
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Order and Law wins Cougar II Stakes at Del Mar
When Order and Law ran in the Cougar II Stakes (G3) last year, he was never in a position to truly challenge for the lead. And while that race proved to be the third in what was ultimately a 10-race winless streak, Order and Law returned to Del Mar July 23 looking to end that dry spell.
Despite being bumped leaving the gate, the 7-year-old son of Violence under the guidance of jockey Kent Desormeaux never wavered and prevailed by 2 1/4 lengths in the $125,000 mile-and-a-half contest over a fast track. He won in 2:32.35.
"We learned last year that he likes the distance; he obviously loves Del Mar's surface so it felt like a no-brainer," said trainer Robert Hess, Jr. of Order and Law. "We had more horse here than last year. It looked like a light field with some competition, but very rewarding to be honest."
Bidding his time, Desormeaux kept his partner just within reach of the leaders, who depending upon the point in the race were either Azul Coast or Bye Bye Bobby . Desormeaux knew exactly when to ask more of Order and Law.
That moment was with a half mile remaining.
"Of my maybe 1,400 career wins, he's won maybe 650 for me," said Hess of Desormeaux.
Order and Law moved up from fourth by moving to the outside, first catching Bye Bye Bobby, then Kitten Mischief , and finally Azul Coast as they reached the top of the stretch. Order and Law, now four wide along with two foes, was more than ready for his rivals. Bye Bye Bobby, in the middle of trio, couldn't sustain the pace. Then it was just a matter of Azul Coast, who shortly after passing the eighth pole, also faded behind the victor.
As a 14-1 longshot, Order and Law paid $31.60 on a $2 win ticket. Kiss Today Goodbye , who entered as 2-1 favorite, finished last and was walked off.
Order and Law was bred in Kentucky by Dell Ridge Farm and is owned by Larry Buckendorf, Jeffrey Lambert, Lawrence Rodriguez, Paul Schneider, Peter Stotland, and Matthew White. He is out of the Shakespeare mare Poetic Kid. The mare has seven foals, five of which have started, with four winners. His sire, Violence, stands at Hill 'n' Dale Farms in Paris, Ky., for $25,000.
Order and Law sold at auction twice, most recently at the 2018 Ocala Breeders' Sale April Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. Out of the Eddie Woods consignment, Order and Law sold to Michael Mellen for $30,000.
In getting his first win of the year, Order and Law improves to 1-1-0 over four starts with earnings of $86,991 in 2023. His lifetime mark goes to 8-6-2 from 42 starts and $456,804 in earnings.