Ami's Flatter Decisive Commonwealth Winner

Returned to his favorite distance, Ami's Flatter registered a clear victory in the $250,000 Commonwealth Stakes (gr. III) April 9 at Keeneland to secure the first stakes win of his career.

Ivan Dalos' homebred Ami's Flatter took command in early stretch and was never seriously challenged late in the Commonwealth as he registered a 2 3/4-length victory. With the win, Ami's Flatter improved to three-for-three at the distance. Ready for Rye just edged favorite Holy Boss for second.

Racing in fifth, and then third, as Holy Boss led through a quarter-mile in :22.49 and a half-mile in :45.01, Ami's Flatter seized the lead under Martin Garcia, aboard for the first time, and powered home to victory. Trained by Josie Carroll, Ami's Flatter completed the race in 1:21.66 on a fast track.

"The instructions that I got from (assistant trainer Ruth Schmidt) was just maintain him (in the) clear and make one run," Garcia said. "That's exactly how the race came out. I put my horse where he's supposed to be and when I asked him, (it) was easy."

Ami's Flatter, the third choice in the betting, returned $10.60, $5.40, and $3.60 across the board, while Ready for Rye returned $5 and $3.40 to place and show. Holy Boss returned $3.40 to show.

"He got an amazing trip and a wonderful ride," Schmidt said. "Everything went right. He was feeling unbelievable—happy as he can be coming into this race. He brought his all. I know (Dalos) is very, very thrilled. Josie, unfortunately, couldn't be here, but we are extremely happy."

A 4-year-old son of Flatter  —Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop, Ami's Flatter was bred in Ontario by Dalos' Tall Oaks Farm. Ami's Flatter is a half brother to stakes winners Ami's Gizmo and Aragorn Ami.