Stormy Liberal dictates terms in Clockers' Corner

Favored Stormy Liberal broke sharply and dictated terms throughout to score a 1 ½ length win in Sunday’s $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Norberto Arroyo, Jr. and trained by Peter Miller, the 5-year-old Stormy Atlantic gelding got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.91.

With Stormy Liberal breaking from post position eight, he put immediate pressure on Forever Juanito, who broke from post six and was ridden by Agapito Delgadillo. The pair raced as a team to the dirt crossing at the top of the stretch, where the winner opened up and was never challenged thereafter.

Off at 2-1 in a field of 10 older horses, Stormy Liberal paid $6.00, $3.80 and $3.20.

“The difference today was that we were outside and it was an easier race,” said Arroyo. “I was just along for the ride today, he just took me.”

Owned by Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch, Stormy Liberal provided the owner and trainer with a double on the afternoon. Second in the Grade III San Simeon Stakes down the hill on Dec. 26, Stormy Liberal registered his fourth win from nine tries over the course and he’s now 17-4-6-1 overall. With the winner’s share of $47,700, Stormy Liberal now has earnings of $247,570.

“I train for a great group of guys and I’m really happy for my horse,” said Miller, who claimed the winner three starts back for $40,000 on Oct. 16. “We’ve had a big weekend and we’re working hard…I think 6 ½ down the hill hits him right between the eyes. He loves it. He’s just a really honest, nice horse.”

Though no threat to the winner late, Forever Juanito held second by 1 ½ lengths over Blameitonthelaw. Off at 19-1, Forever Juanito paid $17.00 and $9.20.

Ridden by Luis Contreras, Blameitonthelaw was off at 12-1 and paid $6.60 to show.

Fractions on the race were 22.39, 44.15 and 1:05.91.

A Pick Six carryover of $71,437 will await fans on Thursday at Santa Anita, as no one correctly tabbed six winners on Sunday. Track officials project Thursday’s total Pick Six pool should approach $500,000.

Additionally, there is a Single Ticket Pick Six Jackpot carryover of $38,404 into Thursday.

With an eight-race card on tap for Thursday, first post time at Santa Anita is at 1 p.m. The Pick Six will be comprised of races three through eight, with approximate post time for the third race at 2 p.m. PT.