Heavily favored Skelly became the first four-time winner at the 2022-2023 Oaklawn meeting, cruising to a three-length victory in Saturday's inaugural $150,000 Lake Hamilton Stakes for older horses at 6 furlongs.
Under eight-time Oaklawn riding champion Ricardo Santana Jr., Skelly ($2.80) took command at the start and wasn't seriously challenged in winning his fourth consecutive race, all in front-running fashion. Skelly was being wheeled back in three weeks by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen after capturing the $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) for older horses April 15.
“He's a nice horse,” Santana said. “I've got to give a lot of credit to the exercise rider (Adolfo Garcia). That horse isn't easy, man. As soon as he figured that horse out, how to gallop, this horse has improved more and more. He did it easy today. He only had (three) weeks off and I knew he was going to be a little bit tired. I'm really happy with how the horse has developed.”
Sir Wellington finished second, 1 ¾ lengths ahead of Edge to Edge, who was followed, in order, by Tut's Revenge, Walker's Win, Joe Frazier and Morello.
Carrying equal top weight of 122 pounds, Skelly covered six furlongs over a fast track in 1:09. Skelly paid $2.80 for the win.
A 4-year-old gelded son Practical Joke out of the Bwana Charlie mare Adande, Skelly was bred in Kentucky by H. Allen Poindexter. He raised his career earnings to $642,513 following his fifth victory from nine starts. Skelly was purchased for $250,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky select yearlings showcase by Red Lane Thoroughbreds (Chris Hicks). Wynnstay Sales consigned.
In addition to the Count Fleet and Lake Hamilton, Skelly won a first-level allowance Feb. 25 and a second-level allowance March 17. All four of Skelly's victories were at six furlongs.
The post Oaklawn Horse For Course Skelly Lands Lake Hamilton For Fourth Victory Of Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
