McKinzie cruises in Triple Bend S. (G2)

McKinzie returned to the races with a stirring victory in Sunday’s $200,000 Triple Bend S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park, his first start since running in Saudi Arabia in late February.

Making his first start at seven furlongs since his maiden debut victory, McKinzie set a couple lengths off the pace set by stablemate Ax Man, who covered the first half-mile in :46.13. McKinzie came three wide to take over the lead entering the stretch, shook off Fashionably Fast and hit the wire under a hand ride by Mike Smith.

“He is not only extremely talented, he’s a thinker too and I just love riding him,” said Smith.

“This was a perfect out for him,” add winning trainer Bob Baffert “He had a cozy post and he showed his class. It was workmanlike and this’ll really move him up for next time. Yes, this was a prep for the Met Mile [July 4 GI Runhappy Met Mile at Belmont].”  

McKinzie races for the trio of Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman. A four time Grade 1 winner, McKinzie is now 8-6-0 in 16 starts and has earned $3,438,560.