It's on to the Breeders' Cup for Doug O'Neill-trained Mackinnon as he accelerated powerfully off the turn for home and took Sunday's $200,000 Zuma Beach Stakes by 2 ¼ lengths at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Mackinnon got one mile on turf in 1:33.80. With the Zuma Beach being his third win in a row at the trip, it's on now to the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf on Nov. 5 at Del Mar.
Mid-pack, about six lengths off the lead at the half mile pole, Mackinnon saved ground at the rail around the turn, idled into third position at the top of the lane and blew by eventual runner-up Silver Surfer and early pacesetter Thirty Four Coupe in deep stretch in a huge effort.
“He's getting better every race,” said Hernandez, who has now ridden him in his last four races. “He broke good, there was little speed, and he felt a little tired on the right side, so he changed leads to the right side. That's why I had to check a little bit and decided to stay inside and save ground and make one run.
“He came with a huge run today…He's improved a lot because the last couple of times I rode him, I had to work a little hard in the stretch with him. Today, I asked him a little and after that, he just took off again.
A winner of Del Mar's Juvenile Turf on Sept. 6, Mackinnon was off as the 6-5 favorite in a field of 10 juveniles and paid $4.40, $2.60 and $2.40.
“We didn't get the most ideal trip,” said O'Neill. “He was a little green early but Juan said once we got the first half mile behind us, he settled nicely. And as you could see, he finished up real well. If he comes out of this in good shape, it's on to the Breeders' Cup.”
English-bred Silver Surfer appeared to take control in upper stretch, but was no match for the winner. Off at 5-2 with Flavien Prat, Silver Surfer paid $3.20 and $2.60 while finishing 1 ¼ lengths clear of Picota.
Ridden by John Velazquez, English-bred Picota was off at 17-1 and paid $5.60 to show.
Fractions on the race were 22.33, 46.08, 1:09.85 and 1:21.90.
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