Manito Keeps Winning Streak Alive at Pimlico

Manito won for the fourth consecutive time with a front-running score in Saturday’s $47,000 allowance feature at Pimlico Race Course.

The 7-year-old gelding accelerated to a 4-1/2 length lead at the top of the stretch and was ridden out by jockey Yomar Ortiz to a half-length victory over Pass You Bye Bye. Owned and trained by King Leatherbury, Manito finished the 5-1/2 furlong test in 1:04.36 and paid $3.60.

“He has that early speed which makes him tough to beat,” said Leatherbury, who ranks fifth on the all-time win list with 6,377 winners.

The son of Indian Charlie won six-of-eight races from June 2010 to November 2011 but had not visited the winners’ circle until February 8 at Laurel Park, his third start in the Leatherbury barn. He followed up that victory with triumphs on February 23 and March 21.

Manito improves his record to 11 wins in 27 lifetime races with earnings of $279,563.