Newgrange surges late to win Southwest S. (G3)

Bob Baffert got his record-tying fifth win in the Southwest S. (G3) on Saturday when Newgrange used a late push to come home a 1 ½-length winner in the $750,000 race for 3-year-olds.

The victory was the second straight stakes win this year for the undefeated colt, who won the Sham S. (G3) on New Year’s Day at Santa Anita Park.

Newgrange broke alertly from his outside spot and was in three-path within striking distance on the first turn. Jockey John Velazquez let his mount relax as he held his spot on the backstretch and into the final bend. It wasn’t until he turned for home and was a furlong from the wire that he found his best stride, driving past Kavod and opening up late to get the 1 1/16-miles in 1:45.83 on a fast main track.

“We saw he had a different dimension today, the way the race set up,” said Baffert. “Love going to Oaklawn Park and winning those big races. It was pretty exciting to watch, the stretch. He’ll come back to California and we’ll figure out our next move.”

Newgrange is owned by a partnership headed by SF Racing LLC and Starlight Racing. Saturday’s win makes him a perfect three-for-three, with earnings of $552,000.