Yaupon’s Mohaven gets second straight stakes win

Mohaven, who was making her two-turn debut in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair S. at Santa Anita Park, proved more than capable as she rolled to a six-length win in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies.

The dark bay daughter of Yaupon had posted a five-length win going six furlongs in the Evening Jewel S. April 4, and like that race, was sent off the odds-on favorite on Saturday. She controlled the pace from the outset, getting the lead almost immediately. Up a half-length after the first half-mile, Mohaven began to pull away from the field. She widened the margin to four lengths at the top of the stretch and cruised down the lane to win in hand.

“This horse has been so consistent, either first or second except for that turf race (Sweet Life Stakes Feb. 7)” said trainer John Sadler. “I think this horse is more of a sprinter, but she got the job done today. I know her next race will be the Fleet Treat at Del Mar.”

Including her lone turf outing, Mohaven is 4-2-0 in seven starts and has earned $334,750 for Terry Knight’s Legacy Ranch. Mohaven was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises.

Yaupon, the nation’s leading Second-Crop Sire with over $2.5 million in progeny earnings to date, has accounted for 11 stakes horses this year thus far, topped by Wood Memorial (G2) winner Albus and dual stakes winner Solitude Dude.