LAST SAMURAI WINS THE G3 essex handicap

Mar 18th, 2023 Last Samurai took down his rivals in yet his second Graded Stakes in a row, in excellent fashion, to win the $500,000 G3 Essex Handicap yesterday at Oaklawn Park. This comes after his emphatic win in the G3 Razorback Handicap last month. Last Samurai proved he could get it done with different racing styles, this time stalking more forwardly, as opposed to the Razorback, in which he was shuffled back - showing his versatility. 

Classic Causeway, making his first start on the dirt since the Ohio Derby (G3) last June, and away from action since October, established command in the opening strides. Despite his rivals inching closer into the turn, the white-faced chestnut clung to his advantage into the turn, striking the six-furlong marker in 1:12.65.

Yet Last Samurai, advancing four-wide into the stretch, had no problem with the pacesetter, drawing clear in the final sixteenth for a one-length score.

(Photo by Coady Photography)