Pure Tactics Edges Rosengold in Siren Lure

Nita Winner's Pure Tactics scored his first win down the hill, getting a nose out in front to win the $75,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Rosengold took early control, followed closely by the trio of Artest, Zimmer and the heavily-favored Chips All In with a pace of :21.92 and :43.84. Pure Tactics, ridden by Mike Smith, settled off the pace about two lengths ahead of the trailer, County Lineman. As the field fanned out for home, Pure Tactics rallied from the outside to out-bob Rosengold in a photo finish. County Lineman surged from last to secure third place, finishing a neck behind Rosengold.

The final running time for 6 1/2 furlongs on firm turf was 1:13.00.

“Midway down the hill, it looked like he was locked and loaded,” said winning trainer Doug O’Neill.  “We had a short field and they were spread out, but Mike decided to duck between them there at the top of the stretch and I think that was the move that got it done.”

Bred in Texas by Donald Eberts, Pure Tactics is by Pure Prize out of the Native Tactics dam Dixie Tactics.

The Siren Lure was the third start and first win for Pure Tactics since moving to the barn of Doug O'Neill earlier this year, in which the 5-year-old horse finished third in the Joe Hernandez Stakes on Feb. 23 and a fourth-place effort in the Grade 3 San Simeon on April 14 at Santa Anita.

Pure Tactics improves his career record to six wins, two seconds and two thirds from 15 starts and pushes his earnings over $200,000.