Quantum Quest ‘strolls in’ – Gone Astray closes with 51 winners and $2.17 million

Handicappers who were sharp enough to take away something positive from Quantum Quest’s unsuccessful debut at Los Alamitos on Dec. 3, were able to cash in big time yesterday as Gone Astray closed out the year in the final race at Santa Anita by getting his 51st winner.

In his six-furlong debut, Quantum Quest finished fifth after forcing the pace through sizzling quarters of :22.07 and :45.78, then by losing ground by going four wide on the turn for home. Learning from that experience, and with every right to show great improvement, the now-5-year-old gelding shot to the lead under Kyle Frey, posted a :22.17 quarter, then edged away by daylight while going to the half in 46.06. He cruised to the wire under wraps as announcer Frank Mirahmadi brought him home with “Quantum Quest – strong every step of the way – strolls in – wins by seven lengths.”

Mirahmadi was right on – the final margin was 6 3/4 – and Quantum Quest paid $18, while collecting a check for $14,400 and, until all returns are in, temporarily giving Gone Astray $2,176,401 in 2021 progeny earnings. He finished sixth among active Florida sires.