Jay Em Ess Stable’s Arson Squad became a millionaire when he disposed of Wingedlie by 3 3/4 lengths to win the $125,000 Skip Away Stakes (gr. III) (VIDEO) April 3 at Gulfstream Park.
It was the fourth graded stakes win for the 7-year-old gelded son of Brahms, who is trained Rick Dutrow Jr. Arson Squad has also triumphed in the 2006 Swaps Stakes, 2007 Strub Stakes, and 2008 Meadowlands Cup Handicap (all gr. II). He was bred in Pennsylvania by E&D Enterprises and is out of the Green Dancer mare majestic Fire.
Arson Squad jockey Paco Lopez stalked the pace of longshots Wingedlie, Eldaafer, and Cristiano before pouncing to the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing away for the convincing win. The dark bay scored for the first time since the October 2008 Meadowlands Cup and secured the seventh victory of his career.
The winner covered 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.65 on a fast track.
Arson Squad went off as the 9-5 favorite and paid $5.60, $3.60, and $2.40. Wingedlie paid $15.60 and $7.40 at odds of 32-1, while Helsinki returned $3.80 to show.