Berkeley, Calif. (October 27, 2018)- Under the guidance of jockey Alonso Quinonez, Southern California shipper Lakerball stalked the pace before drawing away from her rivals down the stretch to win the $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. The Doug O’Neill trainee was making her first start since a 33-1 upset in the Surfer Girl Stakes at Santa Anita in October.
“The second favorite was coming from a sprint, so we talked about if that one took off, then we would sit off and things worked out our way,” said assistant trainer Leandro Mora. “It was a good pace and she finished up well-not a bad time for this type of race.”
Brahm’s Command, who set the pace for the first three-quarters of the race, held off third-place finisher Tomlin for the second spot while Stealthediamonds checked in fourth after stalking the speed.
Lakerball improved her record to 3 wins from 5 starts, with career earnings of $129,480. She is owned by Pappas Racing, Purple Rein Racing, Roberts and Jeanie Buss, who also owns the Los Angeles Lakers.
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