Laurel River romps to Pat O’Brien S. (G2)

Bob Baffert won his record eighth Pat O’Brien S. (G2) Saturday at Del Mar when Laurel River rolled home a six-length winner over Grade 1 winners American Theorem and Speakers Corner.

Laurel River broke well and contested the early lead before backing off the pace slightly, two lengths behind Speaker’s Corner after a quarter-mile in :22.41. Laurel River was bottled up behind horses on the turn, then when an opening appeared at the top of the stretch, he quickly shot to the front and pulled away impressively to win in 1:21.37 for the seven furlongs on a fast track.

Owned by his breeder Juddmonte Farms Inc., Laurel River finished second in last year’s Laz Barrera S. (G3) and is now 4-1-0 in seven starts with earnings of $314,620.

Baffert first won the O’Brien with Love That Red in 2000 and won five straight runnings from 2009-2013.