Minutes after winning the First Lady Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland with Classic Q, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse took another graded stakes when Live Oak Plantation's Victory Achieved rolled in the Nearctic Stakes (G2T) Oct. 3 at Woodbine.
Sent off as the fourth choice in the 6-furlong turf sprint, the 5-year-old Street Sense gelding broke on top but settled back for jockey Rafael Hernandez as Essex Serpent set fractions of :22.48 and :45.49. Longshot Western Whirl and 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) winner Nobals raced in tandem a length off the leader, while Victory Achieved rated behind that pair in fourth.
As they entered the stretch, Hernandez swung Victory Achieved out to the four path and they began to bear down on the leaders. The gelding powered past his rivals down the stretch and pulled clear for a 3-length victory, completing the 6 furlongs in 1:09.30 on a course rated good. Victory Achieved paid $13.20 to win.
Nobals got up for second by a neck over Works for Me, with Essex Serpent fourth. Favored Gas Me Up broke last, raced wide into the stretch, and never threatened.
A homebred for Live Oak, the Florida-bred Victory Achieved is out of the winning War Front mare Lady of Victory. He is the third graded stakes winner this year for Darley stallion Street Sense, who has also been represented by Bella Ballerina and Proctor Street.
