In Memoriam

Game Plan Gelding Ashleyluvssuger wins Grade-2 San Luis Rey

AshleyluvssugarSanLuisReyStakes2015BEN298With his win in the $200,000 Grade-2 San Luis Rey Stakes on Santa Anita’s turf course, California-bred Ashleyluvssugar became the 25th stakes winner for his late sire Game Plan, and his 8th graded stakes performer. The previously stakes-placed four year old gelding was given a perfect ride by Hall of Famer Gary Stevens, and distanced the heavy favorite Finnegan’s Wake by 2- 1/4 lengths, completing the 1- 1/2 mile in 2:25.78.

“He relaxed like a dream for me,” said Stevens in an interview with the bloodhorse.com. “I knew if he would relax, we’d have a good chance. I was loaded going into the turn, a horse came to our outside (and) he got headed, but he’s tough. He likes a fight.”

Trained by Peter Eurton and owned by breeders Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing, the bay gelding has bankrolled a total of $335,504, and currently ranks fourth among Game Plan’s top earners. 

Read the entire bloodhorse.com article and watch the race replay here.