Two Last Words gets last say in Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 8, 2020) — Two Last Words, ridden by Fernando De La Cruz, was not going to let Mai Tai’s Gem get the best of him. The two Indiana breds battled it out down the stretch with Two Last Words getting the last nod at the wire to win the 12th running of the $75,000 Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes at Indiana Grand Wednesday, July 8.

Starting from the extreme outside post seven, Two Last Words had intentions of following Chipofftheoldblock and Luis Saez and Mai Tai’s Gem and DeShawn Parker out for the lead, but several of the horses in the race had the same game plan. Both Two Last Words and Mai Tai’s Gem were left to change their strategies early on and set more off the pace than usual. Down the backstretch, Two Last Words sat sixth on the outside while Mai Tai’s Gem was in front of him three-wide De La Cruz saw a hole open up and was able to split horses to get better positioning. About the same time Chipofftheoldblock took off to make a big move to the lead and Mai Tai’s Gem went with him.

At the head of the stretch, Mai Tai’s Gem was able to clear for the lead and Two Last Words began to come in focus on the outside with a big move of his own. He quickly joined Mai Tai’s Gem and the battle began. Neither horse was giving in, but in the final stride, Two Last Words was able to surge forward just enough for the win by a head. Chipofftheoldblock finished third.

“The plan was to leave and get close behind the three (Chipofftheoldblock) and seven (Mai Tai’s Gem) but a lot of horses left the gate, so my plan changed,” said De La Cruz. “I didn’t want to go and get too wide, so I decided to just sit on the outside in the back. We moved up down the backside and when the three made a big move, I didn’t go with them. I wanted to wait and get the position I wanted.”

It was the third win in three starts for Two Last Words this season. The son of Commissioner was bred by Deann and Dr. Greg Baer of the Columbus, Ind. area. Deann still owns the horse that now has five wins in 10 career starts with earnings in excess of $197,000. Tim Glyshaw trains.

“This wasn’t his preferable running style,” said Glyshaw. “He likes to be up closer just off the pace, but when that didn’t happen, we went with Plan B. He got it done anyway. That’s a sign of a good horse.”

The Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes was the second victory in stakes action for Two Last Words. He also won the $100,000 Hillsdale Stakes at Indiana Grand last fall.

Photos by Coady Photography