On-song Cistron records Grade 1 win in Bing Crosby at Del Mar

Cistron has earned an automatic spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint after winning the Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, his breakthrough success in Grade 1 company.

The Bing Crosby is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event and guarantees the John Sadler-trained five-year-old a spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita on November 2 following his win in this $300,702 contest.

Despite initial reluctance to load into the gate, Cistron settled into an early lead from the break under Victor Espinoza. Desert Law saved ground early on the rail and stalked Cistron before moving up to issue an early challenge but could not keep pace with leader, who slowly inched away on the turn.

Urged forward by Espinoza, Cistron managed to hold his lead by a half-length at the finish, completing the 6f test in 1:09.95 on a track rated fast.

"We were comfortable up there. He was running well on the lead," said Espinoza. "I wanted to save something for the stretch, and I was able to. I didn't get a lot of pressure up front and that helped. At the finish I still had lots of horse. He's amazing."

Desert Law held on for second, followed by Jalen Journey, Air Strike, Line Judge, Recruiting Ready, and Chief Cicatriz.

"The way we were drawn we knew we'd have to go to the front," said Sadler. "It looked like there was a lot of speed in the race, but we didn't really have a choice to change our style. Once he got away and got in the clear, he gets energy from that.

"He had a super work over this track, a bullet, and he showed up for the big race today. We've got so many movable parts [versatile horses], I'm not sure what's next. But if he runs again here it will be in the Pat O'Brien [Grade 2]."

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