Bowies Hero Returns to Winner's Circle in Eddie Read
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Bowies Hero wins the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar
Agave Racing Stable, ERJ Racing, Madaket Stables, and Rockin Robin Racing Stable's Bowies Hero found the winner's circle for the first time in over a year July 21, rallying to a clear score in Del Mar's $250,351 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T).
The 5-year-old son of Artie Schiller was making his third start of the season in Sunday's 1 1/8-mile turf feature. Jockey Flavien Prat settled Bowies Hero, 3-1, in fifth of six, followed only by Marckie's Water. Bowies Hero sat about 2 1/2 lengths off opening fractions of :24.38, :48.16, and 1:11.71 set by Ritzy A. P.
After turning three wide, Bowies Hero unleashed a furious rally that propelled him to a 1:35.31 mile and a final time of 1:46.63 on firm turf. Bowies Hero found himself 2 1/4 lengths in front of a blanket finish for second.
His previous victory came in Santa Anita Park's Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1T) in March 2018.
"I think he's just rounding back into his form cycle right now—third race off a layoff, and Flavien gave him a picture-perfect ride," said winning trainer Phil D'Amato. "I think I raced him one time too many last year, gave him a long break, and he was back on point today. Up next is the Del Mar Mile (G2T), and hopefully that will get us into the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T)."
Marckie's Water got up for second, followed by Ritzy A. P., Sharp Samurai, Catapult, and Ohio.
"I was in a good spot all the way around. No problems for me," Prat said. "When we straightened away in the stretch and we got clear, he fired a good one. He was best today."
Bowies Hero was bred in Kentucky by Pope McLean, Pope McLean Jr., and Marc McLean. He was a $16,000 RNA at the 2014 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale—his first time through the ring for Pope McLean's consignment—then sold for $17,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale to RJG Racing Management.
Bowies Hero visited the auction ring a third time at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale when consigned by Sweetbriar Sales. ELA Racing Stable purchased him for $32,000, and he won on debut at Lone Star Park two months later.
Agave Racing Stable privately purchased Bowies Hero after that victory and sent him to California. He's compiled a 7-1-3 record from 19 starts, with $874,970 in earnings.
Bowies Hero is the first foal out of the Sky Mesa mare Remembered, who foaled a Gun Runner filly April 7.