Wake Up Nick Triumphs in Graduation

Wake Up Nick,  the 3-5 favorite under jockey Mario Gutierrez, extended his perfect record to 3-for-3 Wednesday with an impressive triumph in the featured $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California-bred two-year-olds.

Wake Up Nick took command from the outside entering the stretch and then drew out to score by 4 ¼ lengths in the added money event that was won by future Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion California Chrome last summer.

Atta’ Boy Woody, the 5-2 second choice, rallied to be second, a length in front of Global Magician in  the field of six young horses. Colorado Strong was a late scratch from the field.

Wake Up Nick, a son of Cindago owned by Reddam Racing and conditioned by Doug O’Neill, ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.49 and returned $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10 to his supporters in a crowd of 11,243. First money of $57,000 increased the colt’s earnings to $165,600. Previously, he won the Santa Anita Juvenile June 22.

Atta’ Boy Woody paid $3 and $2.20, while Global Magician returned $3.20 to show.

The Graduation Stakes is an early season steppingstone to the Grade I $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on closing day, Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Jockey Tyler Baze booted in two winners Wednesday to move to within a single triumph of a personal milestone, 2,000 victories in his career. He has six scheduled mounts on Thursday’s program.

With no perfect tickets in Wednesday’s Pick Six, Thursday’s card will feature a carryover of  $59,127. Post time for the first race is 2 p.m.