MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (July 12, 2008) – M375 Thoroughbreds and Suarez Racing’s 3-year-old colt Golden Spikes won the $250,000 Carry Back Stakes (G2) at Calder’s Summit of Speed on Saturday, earning his first Graded stakes victory.

Ridden by jockey Elvis Trujillo for trainer Marty Wolfson, Golden Spikes defeated Gentleman James by three-quarters of a length and it was just a half-length back to Lantana Mob in third in a close finish.

Golden Spikes covered the six furlongs in 1:11.20 and paid $4.60, $3.20 and $2.40. Gentleman James, who finished second to Golden Spikes previously in the Unbridled Stakes here on June 14, paid $5.60 and $3.20. Lantana Mob returned $2.40 to show.

Winning owner’s quotes:
Rob Murphy — “He was in good position early behind the leaders and ahead of Salute the Sarge, but he (Elvis Trujillo) had to be patient and even steadied some until he could get out. But once he got clear, I felt that he had enough time to run them down. We kept him going two turns earlier this year and he ran good to finish second in the Illinois Derby (G2), but after he finished fourth in the Peter Pan (G2), we pretty much knew it was time to go back to sprinting. We knew it would be difficult for him to turn back from nine furlongs to six, but he’s come through. A logical spot to think about for him next would be the King’s Bishop (Aug. 23 at Saratoga at seven furlongs.) The six weeks timing seems just about right.”


Winning jockey’s quotes:
Elvis Trujillo – “They didn’t go as fast as I would have liked to see them go up front, but I could see that they were moving too soon on the backside so I just sat behind them and waited. With this horse the later you move the better he finishes. He is a very nice horse and six furlongs is perfect for him.”