Photo: Jim McCue
Heavily touted on the strength of his impressive Aqueduct debut on January 28, Barry K. Schwartz homebred The Lumber Guy simply toyed with five rivals in Saturday’s $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park, winning the 7-furlong contest by 4 1/4 lengths without a serious challenge.
Going to the inside post under Laurel-based jockey Julien Pimentel, The Lumber Guy was the heavy 2-5 favorite for his second lifetime start. In his debut for trainer Michael Hushion, the grey son of Grand Slam romped by nine-plus lengths in state-bred company under Jose Valdivia, Jr., going six furlongs in 1:10.20 for a 90 Beyer Speed Figure – a number that towered over the Miracle Wood competition. Blown out three furlongs (37:76) by Hushion at Belmont on Friday, The Lumber Guy did not disappoint at Laurel on Saturday.
After breaking just a step slow, The Lumber Guy charged up along the rail under a strong hold to take clear command. Five lengths ahead after the first quarter-mile, which he ran – assisted by a tail wind – in 22.92, The Lumber Guy remained 1 1/2 lengths clear after a half in 46.38 still under a hold.
Second choice Friscan (9-5) reached The Lumber Guy’s quarters through the turn, but Pimentel went to work with his hands at the top of the stretch and The Lumber Guy quickly opened up five lengths on his pursuers. Shown, but not touched with the whip for the final furlong, the colt carried on to a comfortable 4 1/4-length victory, covering the 7-furlong distance in 1:23.22.
“He came out of the gate and he bobbled a little bit,” said Pimentel. “Right away, he took off. I tried to slow him down as best I could. Around the turn he relaxed for me and then when he felt that horse come to him he took off again. He looks like a nice horse. He did that very easily. It was impressive.”
A perfect 2-for-2 after the stakes victory, The Lumber Guy has now earned $75,000. Foaled at Schwartz’ Stonewall Farm in Granite Springs, The Lumber Guy is the third black type winner and fourth winner of four foals – all New York-breds – to start from Boltono, an unraced daughter of Unbridled’s Song purchased by Schwartz at the 2003 Keeneland November sale. The Lumber Guy is her last reported foal.
The Lumber Guy’s siblings include stakes winners Bold Deed, by Anasheed ($110,600), who finished second on Saturday at Aqueduct in a second-level state-bred allowance race, Magical Solution, by Stormin Fever and multiple winner Critical Cathy, by Gold Token.
