Espinoza Wins First Race After HOF Announcement
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Photo: Coady Photography
Victor Espinoza
In his first mount since it was announced he was headed to the Hall of Fame, jockey Victor Espinoza applied a deft touch in to guide favored Liam the Charmer to a head victory in Santa Anita Park's allowance feature April 28.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, the 4-year-old colt by Smart Strike finished the 1 1/4-mile turf race in 2:01.20.
"Every win is special. That's why I'm here," Espinoza said of his only mount on the nine-race Friday card. "I knew they were going to be going slow up front, so I thought I'd be pretty close early and I was. He's got a nice, long stride and he didn't have to run very hard today."
Off at even money in a field of five older horses, Liam the Charmer, who moved into a three-way tussle for the lead around the far turn, took command turning for home and won in better-than-looked fashion while holding off longshot Vigilante.
Bred in Kentucky by Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and his wife, Debbie, Liam the Charmer, who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Warren Jr., picked up $34,800 for the win, boosting his earnings to $141,026. A close fourth in the San Luis Rey Stakes (G2T) March 25, Liam the Charmer got his third win from nine starts.