(January 17, 2004) St Averil teamed up with jockey Tyler Baze to score an one and a half length victory in the 66th running of the Grade II Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Longshot Lucky Pulpit, who went off at 18-1, finished second by two lengths, while 6-5 favorite Master David took the show spot in a four-way photo.

St Averil, trained by Rafael Becerra, was coming off a runner-up placing to the undefeated Lion Heart in the Hollywood Futurity (GI). With the absence of Lion Heart, and the decision by trainer Richard Mandella to bypass the race with Breeders' Cup winner Action This Day and Lion Heart waiting for a race in March, St Averil did not have to face those two Grade One stakes winners.

Breaking well, but hung out four wide going into the first turn, St Averil was allowed to settle in behind a three way duel for the lead. As they moved up the backstretch, Baze was content to let the leaders continue their battle, where they got the first half-mile in a lively :45.61.

Moving for the far turn, Saltire began to slow, and Perfect Moon and Lucky Pulpit raced as a team into the stretch. St Averil was picking up momentum, however, and as they approached mid-stretch he had collared the two leaders with his three-wide move. He passed both horses relatively easily, as the pace had taken its toll on the front-runners.

St Averil earned $90,000 for owner Stan Fulton, bringing his career earnings to $188,000. As the second choice, he paid $6.40, $4.20, and $2.80. The $2 exacta with Lucky Pulpit returned $94.00

In the winners circle following the race, a jubilant Tyler Baze said, "When I asked him (on the far turn), he really kicked it in. We've got a really nice horse."

Becerra concurred, "We're not done yet, we've just started." While neither one said where the colt's next start would be, the San Rafael or San Felipe are the next steps on the road to Louisville

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