Lerner eyes his first Grade 1 with barn newcomer in the La Brea
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Photo:
Benoit
Andrew Lerner, at age 30 one of racing's youngest trainers, won his first graded stakes when Queen Bee to You captured the Bayakoa (G3) on Dec. 8 at Los Alamitos.
On opening day at Santa Anita next Thursday, Lerner hopes to add to that early milestone when he sends out longshot Free Cover in the La Brea Stakes (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs.
The gray daughter of Congrats was a recent private purchase by Erik Johnson, 31-year-old defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League, who campaigns as ERJ Racing, LLC. Free Cover will be making her first start on the West Coast, having campaigned mainly at Churchill Downs in her eight career starts for trainer Bret Calhou and Allied Racing.
She last raced on Oct. 19 at Keeneland, finishing far back in the Raven Run (G2) after showing early speed in the seven-furlong race.
“Erik’s been with me since around June,” said Lerner, himself an athlete of some note, having played baseball at Agoura High School and boxed at the University of Arizona. “I played sports, but not like Erik. He runs circles around me. He has to be tougher than I am to battle in those hockey fights.”
Johnson, the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, is a native of Bloomington, Minnesota, often referred to as ‘The Condor.’ “He’s a fun guy and a good owner,” Lerner said. “He does the right thing. He trusts me and he brings horses to the barn.
“We have a really good relationship and I feel fortunate to have him.”
Lerner, meanwhile, has built his stable to 40 head, with Queen Bee to You scheduled to return Jan. 11 in Santa Anita's La Canada (G2).
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