Eddie Woods training grad United added a fifth graded stakes win to his stellar resume on March 20 with a well-timed victory in the San Luis Rey S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

The 6-year-old got a break over the winter after running in the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), and was well-prepared by trainer Richard Mandella for Saturday's 1 1/2-mile contest. Rider Flavien Prat had his mount stalk the pace set by Acclimate, who led the field through a mile in 1:36.01. United came on even terms with a quarter mile to run to take over entering the stretch. Say the Word came from off the pace to challenge late, but United dug in to win by three-quarters of a length in 2:25.51 on the firm turf.

“Hats off to Mr. Mandella, he had him ready to run a mile and one half today,” said Prat. “He was traveling well the whole way and he responded well when I asked him to go. I wanted to stay close to Acclimate, I didn’t want him to get too easy of a lead. He likes the turf courses (in California) and with the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, that’s good. Hoping to have a good year.” 

United has earned $1,513,549 for owner LNJ Foxwoods and is 8-4-1 from 18 starts, winning or placing in 10 stakes races.