El Pillo wires field on Gulfstream grass for first victory

In his last start at Gulfstream Park on Aug. 9, El Pillo led from the outset under Emisael Jaramillo only to be nailed at the wire by a nose after drifting out in deep stretch and being disqualified back to third. The 3-year-old Treasure Beach gelding had no such problems yesterday, with Jaramillo guiding him to a maiden-breaking wire-to-wire score.

Leaving from the No. 7 post, El Pillo shot to the front, opened up a little daylight down the backstretch, and never let anybody get close – the final margin was 4 1/4 lengths. The gelding bred by Orlyana Farm was clocked in 1:35.05 for the mile on the turf as he became winner No. 34 for Treasure Beach this year.

El Pillo collected a check for $21,400 and raised his total to $43,660 while paying $6.80 as favorite. He earned an Equibase ‘E’ speed figure of 92, his best in nine starts.