Tom's Tribute rolls to victory in Eddie Read Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Tom's Tribute, ridden by Mike Smith, sailed through the stretch on his way to capturing Sunday's 41st running of the $300,000 Eddie Read Stakes over 1 1/8 miles at Del Mar.

Trained by James Cassidy for the Braly Family Trust, Tom's Tribute broke from the outside post in the six-horse field for the turf stakes. The 4-year-old chestnut colt was sent off as the 2-1 second pick behind even-money favorite Summer Front.

Tom's Tribute stalked pacesetter Horizontalyspeakin with Summer Front racing third off the rail. Tom's Tribute drew even with Horizontalyspeakin entering the far turn as Summer Front also joined in from the outside.

Entering the stretch, Tom's Tribute assumed the lead as Horizontalyspeakin began to tire. He was able to hold off Summer Front and Spring Up down the stretch and register a 1 1/4-length win over the favorite. Spring Up was third followed by Horizontalyspeakin, Unbridled Command and Cogito.

The time for the Eddie Read was 1:46.01 on a firm turf course.

Tom's Tribute recorded his first win at Del Mar in three starts and picked up $180,000. The 4-year-old has won five of 12 career starts for $442,880.

The colt was coming off a third-place dead heat finish in the Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita on June 14. He began his 2014 campaign on Feb. 1 with a second at Santa Anita in the Arcadia. The following month he was seventh in the Kilroe Mile but won the Thunder Road Stakes on April 6.

Tom's Tribute paid $6.60, $3.20 and $2.80. Summer Front returned $2.40 and $2.20, and Spring Up paid $3.80 to show.