What a View Speeds to Victory in Crystal Water
Image:
Description:
Photo: Benoit Photo
What a View led at every point of call and prevailed to win by a length
After three solid performances in graded stakes competition, What a View returned home to Santa Anita Park and relished his role as favorite among California-breds in the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes May 20.
The 6-year-old Vronsky gelding led at every point of call and prevailed to win by a length. Trained by Kenny Black and ridden by Tyler Baze, he finished the mile on firm turf in 1:33.24.
"I thought (eventual second place finisher) Pee Wee Reese would be on the lead, but Tyler read it right and took the initiative," said Black, who sent his stable star out to a sixth-place finish in the Maker's 46 Mile (G1T) at Keeneland April 14. "I was hoping he wouldn't have to run as hard as he did today, but my horses have been coming out of their races on this turf course better than they come out of their works, so I'm not concerned.
"We'll come right back in the Shoemaker Mile (G1T, June 3). We came back a little quick in this race, but I told my owners I'd rather run this horse for $100,000 on turf than work him three times on dirt."
What a View, winner Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1T) in March of 2016, went off at 1-2 in a field of four. After a clean break from the inside post, he set fractions of :22.59, :46, and 1:09.54 through six furlongs, with Smokey Image in pursuit two lengths back.
"I know my horse can go fast, and each time I've ridden him I've learned a little more about him," Baze said. "He worked dynamite last week and he was ready for today, that's for sure. They were coming at him (down the stretch), but he was digging in. ... I didn't think I'd get that easy a lead, but I was real comfortable out there."
Out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, What a View was bred by Old English Rancho and Patsy and Sal Berumen. Owned by Finish Line Racing, The Elwood Johnston Trust, and Taste of Victory Stable, What a View picked up $60,000 for his efforts and now has earnings of $824,326. With five wins from 12 tries at a mile on turf, What a View has a 7-5-0 record from 20 starts.