Puxa Saco Stalks to Moccasin Victory

Jockey Mike Smith and trainer Jenine Sahadi teamed up with the 2-year-old filly Puxa Saco to win Saturday's seven-furlong $100,000 Moccasin Stakes.

After breaking sharply, Smith settled Puxa Saco about two lengths off the lead for the first three furlongs. As the field neared the half-mile pole Smith began to move her into contention for the lead, and she quickly collared the early pacesetter Watching You. Those two matched strides through the turn and into the stretch when Puxa Saco took command. With slight urging from Smith, Puxa Saco drew off from Watching You in the final furlong to win by two lengths.

Owned by Richard Rowan, the Kentucky-bred daughter of Dehere is two-for-two in Southern California after winning two of three starts at Calder Race Course to begin her career. She pushed her career earnings to more than $150,000.

Sent off at 4-5 in the field of five, Puxa Saco paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Watching You returned $2.80 and $2.10. Atlantic Ocean, 5 1/2 lengths back in third, paid $2.10.

(Chart, Equibase)