2023 San Felipe Stakes Recap

The Tim Yakteen trained inmate Practical Move lays down a strong marker in the qualification race for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, winning the Grade 2 San Felipe after a layoff. The 2023 San Felipe Stakes Recap is here!

The San Felipe Stakes Recap

Grade 2 – Purse $400,000 – 1 1/16 miles – Dirt- 3-Year-Olds

From the gates, its was Geaux Rocket Ride and Hejazi who were battling to be on the speed and it was Mike Smith who bagged the inside rail position going around the clubhouse turn and he took the field into the backstretch at a fast pace.

Fort Bragg was in the third spot with clear daylight on the outside of the two leaders, while eventual winner PRACTICAL MOVE was in hand and stalking the speed in the fourth spot.

There were six lengths covering the field as they made their way to the end of the back-stretch with Hejazi still leading, while eventual third Skinner was content to watch on from the rear.

The half-mile went in a quick 47.12 secs and the pace was unrelenting up front. Hejazi held onto a narrow lead but as they turned for the homestretch, he drifted off the rail and Practical Move made his move and came inside to take the lead, with Geaux Rocket Ride and Fort Bragg now coming under serious drives from their jockeys.

While the action was playing out up front, Skinner had made a move from the back, circling rivals to move into a challenging position.

Practical Move kicked for home and widened by two lengths with Geaux Rocket Ride holding well on the inside. The runner-up was game in second, while Skinner closed late to take the third spot on the wire from the long-time leader Hejazi.

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