Stallwalkin’ Dude defeated a couple of class acts in the LR Diablo Stakes (1200m) in New York on Sunday.

The flying son of Yarradale Stud sire City Place (USA) collected his fourth win in a row and the first at black-type level in the $100,000 sprint at Belmont Park.  It lifted his earnings to over $370,350.

Stallwalkin’ Dude (5g City Place - Chelle Spendabuck by Dare and Go) defeated track record-holder Clearly Now by a neck and G1 Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice was another three lengths in arrears.

He seized control of the race before being confronted by Clearly Now into the straight.  They spurted away from the field and were never separated by more than a half-length down to the wire.  “He always responds and fights to the end,” apprentice Angel Cruz said.  “When I hit him left-handed he keeps going and never quits.”

Bred in Florida, Stallwalkin’ Dude is a half-brother to winners by Tour d'Or, Salt Lake and Ecliptical.  Their dam is an unraced half-sister to G1 Hollywood Starlet winner Love Lock (Silver Ghost).

“He’s really proven himself to be a legitimate horse to be reckoned with coming into the spring and summer at Saratoga,” owner-trainer David Jacobson said.  “I was expecting a much easier field – with Palace Malice and Clearly Now running it deserved to be a Grade race!”

City Place (Storm Cat) stood his first season at Yarradale Stud last year for an $8,800 (inc gst) service fee.

STALLWALKIN’ DUDE
City Place sprinter (rails) wins the Diablo Stakes