Maiden winner Lastabitlonger puts Vekoma on cusp of record year
December 27, 2024
Lastabitlonger’s front-running maiden special weight win Dec. 27 at Tampa Bay Downs gave Vekoma his 38th winner from his first crop, putting him one away from the all-time mark of 39 set by Wildcat Heir.
Vekoma has four entries, three of them maidens, yet to run in the last three days of the year. His current progeny earnings of $2,717,095 are also just $12,000 away from the top spot on the First-Crop sire list, while his 13 stakes horses top the list.
Lastabitlonger, who was making his first start around two turns, went straight to the front and established a clear lead in the first furlong. He relaxed nicely in the middle portion of the race, then bound away from the field in the stretch to win by three lengths [WATCH RACE].
The winner is owned by trainer Chad Stewart, along with Anthony Lenci.
Bred in Kentucky by Di Giulio, D’Onofrio, Peri & Lockhart Lastabitlonger is a half-brother to stakes winners Be Vewy Vewy Quiet and Jade Dragon. This is also the family of Grade 1 winner Trippi and four-time graded winner Appealing Skier.