Cezanne runs up the score in Grade 3 Kona Gold S.

Cezanne was more than ready to run after and eight-month layoff in Sunday’s $100,000 Kona Gold S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park, rolling to a 10-length victory in what was the first graded stakes score for the 4-year-old colt.

Cezanne hadn’t started since finishing fourth in the Aug. 1 Shared Belief S., his only defeat to date. When Brickyard Ride flew out of the gate, Flavien Prat took Cezanne back to set off the torrid pace. Brickyard Ride flew through the first quarter-mile in :21.18, and by the time he hit the half-mile in :43.60, the pace was taking its toll.

Cezanne came rolling up the inside and easily took command and drew away with authority to win in hand in 1:14.71 for the 6 1/2-furlongs.

“We knew there was going to be a hot pace,” said trainer Bob Baffert’s assistant Jimmy Barnes. “Not sure how fast, but it ended up being fast, and you know Cezanne just ate them up. [Prat] gave him a wonderful ride and Bob had him ready. With the races coming up this spring and summer, we should be looking really good with Cezanne.” 

Cezanne was shouldered with big expectations after selling for $3.65 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park 2-year-old sale to his owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and St. Elias Stable. He was an easy winner of his first two starts before the Shared Belief and has now earned $123,000, with much loftier goals on the horizon.