Undefeated Heck Yeah takes Turf Sprint

Heck Yeah’s first stakes start was a winning one in Saturday’s $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park. The 3-year-old colt, who won his debut Dec. 7 at Los Alamitos, is owned by his breeder Michael Pageler, along with Robert Baedeker and Michael Sigband.

Near the back early on as the field of 12 made its way down the first part of the turf course, Heck Yeah made his way through the field, going six-wide at the top of the stretch. In the final furlong, Heck Yeah was under a hand ride and was being eased up at the wire despite pulling away at the end to win by nearly three lengths.

“It’s wonderful. This is my first stakes winner and the first horse I’ve ever bred. The mother (Lutess) is the first horse I ever owned,” said Pageler. 

Saturday was the inaugural running of the Turf Sprint, which was added to this year’s edition of the Cal Cup Series. 

Heck Yeah has won $84,000 in his two victories.