Zensational Takes Control Early In Triple Bend Triumph

In the Grade I, $300,000 Triple Bend Handicap, jockey Victor Espinoza guided speedy favorite Zensational to a front-running victory over Rush With Thunder.

Zensational, owned by Zayat Stables and trained by Bob Baffert, became the first 3-year-old winner of the Grade I race since Debonaire Junior won in 1984. The victory was the third in the Triple Bend for Espinoza.

I wanted to keep him wide down the backstretch because when hes close to other horses he likes to fight, Espinoza said. It helped a lot because he relaxed after that. The way he finished today was unbelievable. This is the second time I rode him and he showed big improvement from that race to this one.

Zensational, a gray/roan son of Unbridleds Song, covered seven furlongs on Cushion Track in 1:21.34 and won by one length while paying $5.40, $4.40 and $3.40. Rush With Thunder returned $10 and $6, while Noble Court paid $3.

I like when they run like they train, Baffert said. Its very rare. He just has that brilliant speed. Hes getting better and hes relaxing a little bit. I told him (Espinoza) to keep him out there If you bring a horse like him to the rail, hell just take off on you.

Zensational won for the third time in five starts while banking $180,000 to increase his earnings to $249,300.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Zensational
• Triple Bend
• Bob Baffert
• Victor Espinoza

[mdubs216]

crazy speed man.

love him