It was an 11th winner for CATHOLIC BOY when St James The Great registered a Maiden Special Weight victory at Laurel Park on Saturday to become his sire’s newest winner.
Navigating 1 1/8 miles on the turf, the juvenile went off as race favorite and spent much of his time in midpack about five lengths off the leader. He stayed close to that position throughout much of the run, only starting to seriously advance as they turned into the stretch.
Coming into the final stage of the race three wide, he took command soon after with no serious threats. From there, he proved much the best as he strode to a 4 ¾ lengths victory with the third placed runner 12 lengths back.
Bred by Machmer Hall, St James The Great is trained by Keri Brion for Serio Racing Stables, USA Steeplechase, R and K Racing, and Paul and Molly Willis.
The gelding is out of the stakes placed City Zip mare That’s A Lady, one of five stakes performers out of Competition. The family includes Grade 1 winners Coup de Fusil and Sailor’s Valentine among others.
In addition to his 11 winners, CATHOLIC BOY is also the sire of three stakes performers this year from only 48 runners.