Air Force Red won the Grade 3, $100,000 San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita just a week after finishing last in another race. Ridden by Armando Ayuso, the 7-year-old horse surged past the competition to win by one length. Trained by Leonard Powell, Air Force Red finished with a time of 1:12.99 and improved his record to 25: 7-3-2 with $711,574 in earnings.
Ayuso, a native of Panama, secured his second career graded-stakes win with Air Force Red. The horse, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Holly Golightly, has become a favorite in the Powell barn after winning three stakes races in his career. Powell instructed Ayuso not to get into a speed duel and to avoid getting stuck inside, which led to a successful race strategy.
Air Force Red paid $11.80 to win the San Simeon Stakes, with Lovesick Blues finishing second and Sorrento Sky coming in third. The horse’s victory was a testament to his ability to cut back to a sprint and excel after a disappointing performance in his previous race.
