CRK Stable’s Express train starting 2022 the same way he did in 2021 — with a win in the $200,500 San Pasqual Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita . Park. He even crossed the first string with the same 3/4 length margin.
5 year old son of Union Rags is one of only four horses to win the race twice since it was inaugurated in 1935 and the first since King’s Favor to win consecutively in the 1968-1969 editions. Lee and Susan Searing’s CRK Stable have won the race for the past three years, winning it with Midcourt in 2020.
Coach John Shirreffs said: “I think it’s a bit harder for him when comparing Express Train’s two wins over San Pasqual. “There’s a lot going on early on at a fast pace. He’s on hole 2… No one can relax because of Mike (Smith)’s horse (Smith)”American Theorem ) appeared on the outside and wanted to squeeze speed, so it was do or die time. We are looking forward to Big ‘Cap (Santa Anita Handicap, G1).
“Mrs. and Mrs. Searing are loyal fans and patrons of the sport. It’s great to be able to train them and have a horse as good as the Express for them.”
The Express showed its best in the 1/8 mile race for older horses on Feb. 5. It marked his career fourth-placed bet win and built on on his victory in the game at the San Antonio Stakes (G2) on December 26 at the last Santa Anita out.
“He’s a better horse today. He’s obviously a big, handsome, strong horse and you know, John has this way of training horses,” Lee Searing said. “This is phenomenal, this horse is really ready. All month John said, ‘I think he’s written close to the top of his game.” So today proved it. This is an exciting start to the race. Victor (Espinoza) did a great job. Victor, groom, help from John. They are all the best. “
Eight Rings , who placed the fractions of: 22.72, :47.16 and 1:11.75. He steered early out of hand 2 before plunging between opponents to pressure Eight Rings after six stretches.
The Express found itself in command at the sixteenth fifth column and had no trouble making its way down the stretch. He finished the distance on the fast track in 1:50.99 and paid $5.20 for the $2 winning ticket.
“Getting out of the gate was a little complicated because I thought the two horses outside of me would go and pick up speed,” Espinoza said. “Then one of the decisions to come back, and I was with them, so that made me decide to go ahead and stay there instead of being stuck inside. It’s all about the things that happen. The horse, the express train, he helped me to move with such confidence, at that point I didn’t mind letting him go. It’s one of those things where you have to make decisions and hope. Today it looks like we got the combo right and it worked.
“I think last time (San Antonio Stakes) he won but not 100%, because he had a little break in between that race. But now he is ready to go. I was got a chance to go see him twice. He came in first five out of eight both times and I’m very happy John is also very happy he’s happy the way he is Going to the race hey, I’m confident but in the race anything can happen. Things get a bit complicated, but we worked them out quickly.”
Law professor , who followed the two leads, overcame Eight Loops to finish second with a length of 2 and a half. Eight rings are held in three quarters of the length Spielberg . Kiss Today Goodbye and the American Theorem completes in order of termination.
The Express and the Law Professor carried a high weight of 124 lbs., spotted their other enemy four lbs. one piece.
Express trains bred in Kentucky by Dixiana Farms from Mineshaft mare I’m a Flake has two ponies the latest is a 2 year old Urge a pony and a longing brother arrive at the Express. She was bred with Munnings for 2022. Express Train’s second dam is the 1st place multi-point winner November snow .
Mayberry Farm purchased the Express Train for $500,000 from Lane’s End shipment for the Keeneland September 2018 Promotion. The foal made $935,800 from a 6-4-3 record in 16 starts.
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