Flashback gives Baffert the Lewis Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Flashback making just his second career start ran away from three rivals to capture Saturday's $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park. The colt gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his fourth victory in the stakes.

Flashback was the 1-2 favorite in the four horse field and stablemate Den's Legacy went off at 3-1. Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up He's Had Enough was 7-2 and Little Jerry 11-1.

The favorite, ridden by Julien Leparoux, set the pace with He's Had Enough along side in second. Den's Legacy was racing third and Little Jerry was to his outside.

Flashback began to widen his lead on the turn for home and was five-lengths in front at the top of the stretch. Owned by Gary and Mary West, Flashback drew away from the competition down the stretch to post a six-length victory.

Den's Legacy finished second with He's Had Enough in third and Little Jerry fourth.

The time for the Robert B. Lewis Stakes on a fast track was 1:42.95.

"I think he's still a little green, it was an easy race, we won easy, and this is a nice horse. If he keeps improving, I think he has a bright future," said the winning jockey.

Flashback was made the favorite off his 3 1/2-length victory at Hollywood Park on Dec. 8. The win Saturday was worth $120,000 and 10 points as part of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series.

"Right now, I don't know (the next race). I'll speak with Gary (West), we'll just figure out a plan for him and just keep him healthy. That's the main plan right now. Right now I can't think that far ahead," Baffert said. "I just have to keep him healthy and keep him going forward. We knew he was a special horse, and to win the Robert B. Lewis is really a sentimental win for me because he was one of the greatest owners in the sport. It brings back a lot of good memories."

Flashback paid $3.00 and $2.40, Den's Legacy returned $2.40. There was no show wagering.