Ginobili Romps in G2 Pat O’Brien Stakes

Making his first stakes appearance since finishing second in last year’s Grade II San Vicente Stakes, Ginobili (4g Munnings x Find The Humor, by Sharp Humor) registered a first stakes victory in Saturday’s Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes.

Racing seven furlongs over the Del Mar dirt, Ginobili closely attended the leading Grade II winner Brickyard Ride from the start. That pair opened a few lengths on the field and as they passed the quarter pole, Ginobili took the lead and the race was all but over.

Drayden Van Dyke let Ginobili have an easy run down the stretch when it was obvious he was the winner and the gelding eased down to win by an easy 1 ¾ lengths over the dueling duo of Grade I winner Flagstaff and Grade II winner and Grade I-placed C Z Rocket with Grade I winner Eight Rings close behind that pair.

Winning his second straight race, Ginobili was bought by his trainer and co-owner Richard Baltas as a yearling from breeder Hinkle Farms. He is also owned by Slam Dunk Racing, Jerry McClanahan, and Michael Nentwig.

Out of Grade III-placed Find The Humor, Ginobili is a half-brother to stakes-placed Silly Factor and two other winners. Find The Humor is one of two stakes performers by Sharp Humor and out of her dam alongside Grade II winner Quick Wit. The family also includes stakes winner Lonesome Sound.

It has been a big month for Munnings, who saw juvenile son Jack Christopher romp by nearly nine lengths at Saratoga earlier on Saturday and Jaxon Traveler win a stakes last weekend. The stallion also had a session topper at Fasig-Tipton’s New York-Bred Sale days after Wondrwherecraigis became the fourth stakes winner of August for his sire.