Royal Creed scores in front-running style

Jimmy Creed, one of the most prolific 2017 First-Crop sires of winners, earned his 19th on Thursday at Fair Grounds when Royal Creed led every step of the way in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight contest for 2-year-olds.

Under pressure the entire trip, Royal Creed held off Fascilitator in the stretch to win by a neck on a sloppy main track.

Owned by John Oxley and bred by Bell Tower Thoroughbreds, Royal Creed is out of the stakes winner Chitka, who also produced Beverly Lewis S. winner Princess Karen. Royal Creed sold to his owner for $325,000 at the OBS Spring Sale of 2-year-olds in training.

In addition to his formidable winners’ total, Jimmy Creed has six stakes horses this year, topped by Sorrento S. (G2) winner Spectator and Group 3 winner Star Galicia.