Wynstock Triumphs in Los Alamitos Derby, Extends Baffert’s Dominance
In a thrilling finish at Los Alamitos Race Course, Wynstock emerged victorious in the $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby, adding to trainer Bob Baffert’s impressive streak in the race. Owned by track owner Dr. Ed Allred and Jack Liebau of the Los Alamitos Racing Association, Wynstock clinched his third career win under jockey Kyle Frey, completing 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.51.
The New York-bred colt, purchased for $700,000 at the OBS sale in April 2023, made history as the first horse to conquer both the Los Alamitos Futurity and the Los Alamitos Derby at the Cypress, California track. His earlier upset victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity set the stage for his latest achievement, showcasing his potential in the competitive world of horse racing.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Wynstock overcame early challenges in the race, initially settling into second place before rallying to narrowly edge out stablemate Cornell in a gripping finish. Despite failing to secure an early lead as hoped, Wynstock’s ability to accelerate down the stretch proved decisive, securing a victory that underscored both his talent and Baffert’s expertise in preparing horses for success on the track.
“I knew Cornell was going to make a run,” commented Baffert post-race. “But he stayed outside, and [Tapalo] was drifting out on him. I saw a horse flying on the inside and I thought son of a gun, and then I realized, oh, that’s my horse. He came back.”
Jockey Kyle Frey, who has partnered with Wynstock for all three of his victories, praised the colt’s performance, noting his resilience and strategic approach during the race. “When he started to run, I thought we had a shot. He’s a nice horse,” Frey remarked, reflecting on the tactical decisions that led to their triumph.
Wynstock’s win not only solidifies his status as a rising star in the racing world but also extends Baffert’s remarkable record in the Los Alamitos Derby, marking his eighth consecutive victory and ninth win in the past decade. As the colt continues to develop, eyes will be on his future performances, with expectations high for further achievements under the guidance of Baffert and the ownership team.
The victory at Los Alamitos Race Course serves as a testament to Wynstock’s potential in the world of Thoroughbred racing, highlighting his ability to excel in competitive stakes races and setting the stage for future endeavors on the track.
