Temple City’s El Potente blossoms in Thunder Road S. (G3)
February 3, 2025
El Potente earned his first stakes win in Saturday’s Thunder Road S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park, dominating the one-mile turf race by three lengths in a career-best effort.
The 6-year-old son of Temple City has been ultra-consistent since switching to the turf two years ago, never finishing worse than third, with six victories in nine starts.
Saturday’s race was El Potente’s first foray into graded company. He got into the mix from the outset, tracking in second behind Air Force Red’s half-mile of :46.17. Going into the final turn, El Potente came on even terms with the pacesetter, then after straightening for home, bounded away from the field to win with authority.
The final time was an excellent 1:32.29, less than a second off the track record and good for a Beyer Speed Figure of 104.
“A lot of credit goes to (jockey) Hector (Berrios),” winning trainer Dan Blacker said. “He really gets him to switch off and he runs for him too. You can see when he asks him to go, that turn of foot. I think he responds really well for Hector.”
Owned by My Way Racing LLC, El Potente is 6-2-2 in 14 starts and has earned $248,796. He was bred by his dam’s namesake, Charmsil LLC.
El Potente is the 32nd lifetime stakes winner and 15th graded winner for Temple City, who stands this year at Spendthrift for $5,000 live foal.