Houtzen colt wins American stakes race

Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Houtzen is making waves at stud, with her three-year-old colt Greenwich Village claiming his first stakes victory in the US$100,000 Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.

Trained by Bob Baffert, the Quality Road colt was switched to turf for the 6½-furlong contest after an unplaced run in the Group III San Vicente Stakes earlier this month.

 Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Greenwich Village settled at the rear before unleashing a powerful late surge to win by a neck.

“After I broke a little slow, I said, ‘OK, I’m going to stay here and make one move,’” Hernandez said.

He was purchased for $350,000 at Keeneland September Yearling Sale by SF Bloodstock/Starlight Racing/Madaket Stables, Greenwich Village now boasts two wins from three starts.