First stakes win for Kevin Gomez? Absatootly!

Kevin Gomez was “Absatootly” all smiles after winning his first stake in the Primonetta. Photo by Dottie Miller.

From a Maryland Jockey Club release

Newman Racing’s Absatootly ($23.40) charged down the stretch powerfully to earn her first open stakes victory in the 10th running of the $75,000 Primonetta Stakes. The upset win gave jockey Kevin Gomez his first career stakes victory and was the Charlton Baker-trained daughter of Mineshaft’s second added-money tally overall, following a restricted stakes in Dec. 2015.

Breaking from post seven of eight fillies and mares in the six-furlong main track event, the bay 4-year-old New York-bred filly stalked 2-1 favorite Appealing Maggie and 7-2 third choice Lovable Lady in third through fractions of 22.92 and 46.65 for a half-mile over the sloppy going, while under a snug hold and racing four-wide.

As the favorite retreated, Absatootly cruised up to Lovable Lady, engaged that foe and overpowered her through a slightly erratic stretch drive, crossing the wire 1 1/2 lengths superior in 1:11 flat. It was another four lengths back to Next Best Thing in third.

Earning her fifth victory from 12 starts, the Belmont Park-based winner earned $45,000 to increase her career bankroll to $249,107 and stayed undefeated in three starts at Laurel.

In his 995th mount, Guatemala native Gomez, 22, earned his first stakes and 112th career victory. Based in Maryland, he was an Eclipse Award finalist last year for leading apprentice jockey.

“I thought someone was going to catch up with me,” Gomez said. “I just tried to keep her straight and hoped no one could catch me and she got it done.”

Sweet On Smokey, Stormy Sky, Bodacious Babe, Decoratedwithstyle and Appealing Maggie, who hopped at the break and rushed up to the front before faltering, rounded out the order of finish. Maziette was scratched.