Even amid controversy, Packs a Wahlop was above the fray in the Sept. 11 $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes (G3T). The gray or roan son of Creative Cause picked up his second career win in three starts, stopping the clock in 1:35.96 on a firm course.
Ah Jeez, who ran the first quarter-mile in :23, was stalked by Packs a Wahlop through the early going. But as they reached the half-mile point, jockey Mike Smith made a move to the front of the field to the outside of the leader. Despite Ah Jeez having the rail, Packs a Wahlop was too strong. The Jeff Mullins trainee pulled away down the stretch, taking the win by 4 1/4 lengths. He paid $18 to win.
The performance was such a dominant one that it kept Packs a Wahlop out of the controversy unfolding behind him.
Don'tthinkjustdoit, with Hector Berrios in the irons, maneuvered through the field, and their late push seemingly would be rewarded with a second-place finish. However, an inquiry knocked them down to seventh as a result of drifting and causing a chain reaction among Wound Up, De La Luna, and Dandy Man Shines (IRE).
Valiancier, a 38-1 shot who spent most of the race at or near the back, was elevated to second. Dandy Man Shines was placed third and Ah Jeez fourth.
Bred by Oak Ridge Farm and owned by Red Baron's Barn and Rancho Temescal, Packs a Wahlop is out of City by the Bay, by City Zip. Creative Cause stands at Airdrie Stud for $7,500.
