Sonic Boom up in time in Columbia S.

Sonic Boom became More Than Ready’s latest stakes winner in Saturday’s $75,000 Columbia S. at Tampa Bay Downs when the lightly-race 5-year-old captured the one-mile turf affair by a neck in a thrilling four-horse photo.

Sonic Boom, who didn’t debut until August of 2016, has rewarded his connections for their patient handling. With his stalking style, Sonic Mule less than a length off the lead after the first half-mile, which went in :46.96. 

Sonic Boom inched up to get on even terms with South Sea, who had set all the pace, at the top of the stretch. South Sea did not give in easily, but Sonic Boom got the better of his foe by a neck on the wire, with another neck and nose separating the third and fourth-place finishers.

The final time of 1:34.73 for the mile on the turf was just one second off the track record.

Stakes-placed last year, Sonic Boom is now 2-1-1 in six starts and has earned $154,200 for owner Lothenbach Stables and trainer Ian Wilkes. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Athens Woods LLC and More Than Ready Syndicate.

Sonic Boom is More Than Ready’s 170th lifetime stakes winner, second-most of any active North American sire.