Authentic’s Westwood goes gate to wire to win San Pasqual S. (G2)

Westwood picked up his first stakes victory in front-running style Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park in the San Pasqual S. (G2), giving the 4-year-old Authentic colt his first career stakes win.

As a maiden, Westwood ran third in the 2025 Santa Anita Derby (G1) and also was third in the Nov. 22 Native Diver S. (G3), his most recent start prior to Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile contest. When the gates sprung open, Westwood out-sprinted Getaway Car and Bartholdy for the lead. Bartholdy pressured the leader through the first half-mile, then Getaway Car moved into second and got within a half-length of the lead with just over a quarter-mile to run. Pushed on by the rider, Westwood bound clear and was unthreatened in the final furlong, winning by 2 ¾-lengths.

“You ever hear or a horse that likes to pedal? He’s a good pedaler,” said winning trainer John Shirreffs said. “He likes a challenge. He likes to be asked and pushed along a little bit. Then when horses come to him he digs in. He’s not a horse that can drop back and make a big turn. He likes to be on the front-end and feel the pressure.”

Owned by C R K Stable LLC, Westwood is 2-3-3 in 10 starts and has earned $313,900. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms. Westwood is a half-brother to Japanese graded stakes winner and near-millionaire Shivaji.

One month into 2026, Authentic is the only Third-Crop sire to have a graded stakes winner and is currently third on the list by progeny earnings. Authentic stands this year for $15,000 S&N.