Speightstown’s Flagstaff gets first graded win in $200,000 San Carlos S. (G2)

Flagstaff struck the front in the final furlong of Saturday’s $200,000 San Carlos S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park en route to a 1 1/4-length victory in the seven furlong contest. Second in the Palos Verdes S. (G2) in late January, Flagstaff is Speightstown’s 52nd lifetime graded stakes winner. The venerable WinStar stallion is once again in the top 10 on the General Sire list, currently ranked fifth with progeny earnings of more than $2.3 million and four stakes winners to date. Flagstaff was in fourth through the first half-mile, while stablemate St. Joe Bay set the pace of :45.04. Victor Espinoza took Flagstaff four wide into the stretch and assumed command with a little lest than a furlong to run. He easily held off the late charge of Roadster to stop the timer in 1:22.64 on the fast track. “He waits a little bit when he gets in front so Victor was trying to sit behind as long as he could,” said trainer John Sadler. “Victor told me he got to the front a little quick. He was loaded today–plenty of horse–he’s really strong.” Flagstaff has been worse than third only once in his 11-race career and has now earned $403,785 for co-owners Lane’s End Racing and Hronis Racing. Bred by Summer Wind Farm, he is out of Indyan Giving and is a half-brother to 2018 2-year-old male champion Game Winner.