Packs a Wahlop wins third straight in Zuma Beach S. (G3)

Packs a Wahlop remained undefeated on the turf with another stellar performance in Sunday’s $200,000 Zuma Beach S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park, drawing away with authority in the final furlong to win by nearly three lengths.

The Eaton Sales grad previously won the Del Mar Juvenile Turf S. (G3) and sports a record of 3-0-0 in four starts, with earnings of $230,000.

Packs a Wahlop was second for most of the one-mile trip on the turf. Castleknock set the pace until Packs a Wahlop overtook him with a quarter-mile to run. The duo tussled for about a furlong, when Packs a Wahlop asserted himself and drew off smartly to finish the distance on the firm turf in 1:34.07 (WATCH RACE).

“He’s a pretty nice horse,” said winning trainer Jeff Mullins. “he’s probably one of the best that I’ve had my hands on in a while.”

Two-year-old Packs a Wahlop is eligible to run in next month’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland, should his owners Red Baron’s Barn LLC and Rancho Temescal LLC choose to do so.

The gray/roan son of Creative Cause was bred by Oak Ridge Farm and sold by Eaton at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling sale.