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E Z Warrior overcomes trouble, scampers to easy score Zayat Stables' E Z WARRIOR (Exploit) remained unbeaten with an impressive score in Tuesday's $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship S. (G3), winning by 2 3/4 comfortable lengths under David Flores. A $1.2 million purchase at the Barretts March two-year-old sale, the Bob Baffert trainee is now two for two and must be recognized as one of the most promising juveniles in the country. After bobbling at the start, the dark bay colt chased the pace from his rail post but was steadied in tight quarters behind Diamond Dave (Bernstein) after the opening quarter-mile. E Z Warrior checked out of trouble and went around a rival early on the far turn as Swiss Swiffer (Swiss Yodeler) led the way. The pacesetter ripped through a fast opening quarter in :21 2/5 and opened up a one-length advantage through a half-mile in :44 3/5, but E Z Warrior, who moved through a small opening on the far turn, was splitting horses and closing rapidly. He easily blew into the lead, getting the five-furlong split in :57 1/5, and cruised to the finish line under moderate urging, finishing six furlongs over the fast track in 1:09 4/5. Heavily favored at even-money, E Z Warrior generated payouts of $4, $2.80 and $2.40. Great Hunter (Aptitude), who was making his first start for trainer Doug O'Neill off a maiden special weight victory at Lone Star Park, closed boldly while extremely wide leaving the far turn and altered course to the rail in the stretch to be a clear second while never a threat to the winner. The 3-1 second choice gave back $3.20 and $2.60. Tom Rickey (Anees) also closed from off the pace to grab third, 2 3/4 lengths back of the runner-up at 15-1, and returned $4.60. Diamond Dave narrowly finished fourth and was followed by Hot Rod (Swiss Yodeler), Smart n'Quiet (Real Quiet), Swiss Swiffer, Youandiatdelmar (You and I) and Hot Flame (Flame Thrower). The $1 exotics paid $7.20 (exacta), $44.30 (trifecta) and $122.50 (1-9-2-3 superfecta). Bred in Kentucky by Gulf Coast Farms Bloodstock, E Z Warrior is the first foal out of the multiple stakes-placed Carson Jen (Carson City). His third dam, stakes winner Jubilous (Sir Ivor), is out of 1977 Acorn S. (G1) winner Bring Out the Band (One for All). He initially passed through the sales ring at the 2005 OBS Yearling Sale, selling for $100,000, and brought the second-highest price at the Barretts select sale. The dark bay has a yearling half-sister by Harlan's Holiday and a 2006 half-brother by Malibu Moon. E Z Warrior easily defeated maiden special weight rivals in his career debut on June 18 at Hollywood Park and has now earned $87,000 from his two lifetime starts.
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