DRAFT PICK (c, 3, Candy Ride (Arg)&log=">Candy Ride {Arg}–Firehouse Red, by Arch), a last-out maiden winner, got first run on heavy favorite Solomini (Curlin) and kicked away late to take the GIII Affirmed S. at Santa Anita. Taking six tries to get his diploma, the $450,000 Keeneland September graduate did so impressively last out May 12 and was made the distant 4-1 second choice in this first stakes attempt. Sitting outside in the second flight past pokey fractions of :24.60 and :49.13, the bay made a three-wide move on the latter half of the far turn with Solomini spun one path further out. Draft Pick took charge a furlong from home and edged clear to score by 2 1/2 lengths over longshot Axelrod (Warrior's Reward) in 1:44.34, with Solomini checking in third. Lifetime Record: 7-2-0-2, $112,080. O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Hinkle Farms (KY); T-Peter Eurton.
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