$8M Colt Mr. Sekiguchi Gets Maiden Win at Santa Anita

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Fusao Sekiguchi's 3-year-old Mr. Sekiguchi, purchased for $8 million at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale, slipped through along the rail and went on to capture his first victory by three-quarters of a length as the 9-10 favorite in a field of seven maidens at Santa Anita Saturday.

Making his second start after a second-place finish in his debut Feb. 18 for trainer Bob Baffert, the chestnut son of Storm Cat completed the 6 1/2-furlong test in 1:16 2/5 with Rafael Bejarano aboard.

Breaking from the rail, Mr. Sekiguchi stalked pacesetter Remembering Star from fourth in the early going, continuing to gain before taking over in deep stretch under steady handling.

William S. Farish and William. S. Kilroy bred Mr. Sekiguchi, who is out of grade III winner Welcome Surprise (by Seeking the Gold), in Kentucky.

(Chart, Equibase)

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