MASTERY’s Zen Master added a second victory to his name on Thursday when the colt took out a Delaware Park Allowance Optional Claimer by 1 ¾ lengths as the race favorite.
The colt was the last out of the gate in the six furlong dirt race but quickly gathered himself to take up a spot in second just behind the leader. Jaime Rodriguez shifted him out a path around the turn so he had clear running room to catch the leader and the race was on.
Zen Master caught up to that one with just over a furlong left to race and powered by to have nearly two lengths on the runner up near the line with the third placed runner six lengths behind.
Bred and sold for $370,000 as a yearling by Claiborne Farm, Zen Master is trained by Brittany Russell for Barbara Houck. The 3-year-old has proven to be a talent on the track with two wins in four starts.
Zen Master is out of the Grade 3 winning Bendable, who is a full sister to the multiple graded stakes winner Clearly Now. The pair are two of eight winners out of the multiple stakes placed Bend.
Zen Master himself is the first named foal for his dam, who had a WAR FRONT filly last year.