In his first start for trainer Wesley Ward, All Squared Away pulled off a shocker when he won Keeneland’s $200,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (Grade 3) at odds of 70-1.
Previously trained by Peter Miller who also co-owns the horse, All Squared Away came into Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington with only a maiden win under his belt. Looking back at his last three starts, All Squared Away finished sixth to Went The Day Well in Turfway’s Grade 3 Vinery Racing Spiral, finished second in an allowance, and seventh in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby.
“He ran a strong Spiral Stakes so I was surprised that he was 50-1 in the morning-line odds and 70-1 at race time,” Miller said. “He’s always trained like a good horse, like a quality horse. We are thrilled. Over the moon.”
“I’m really thankful to Pete Miller for giving me the opportunity to train – especially from a trainer,” said Ward immediately after the race.
Johannesbourbon set the early pace with sharp fractions of 23:21 and 46:54 for the first two quarters with Castaway and Hammers Terror close behind. All Squared Away and jockey Julio Garcia sat comfortably in fourth before slowly advancing after the half-mile pole. All Squared Away kicked on deep in the stretch to score a 1 ½ length victory over the post-time favorite Summer Front.