by Jenny Blandford

Two Step Salsa set a swift pace and powered home to a three-length victory in the $107,200 Lazaro Barrera Memorial Stakes (G3) on Sunday at Hollywood Park.

Sent off as the co-second choice at 3-to-1, Two Step Salsa stepped up to graded stakes competition following a runner-up finish in his stakes debut in the Harry Henson Stakes on April 25 at Hollywood Park.

In the Lazaro Barrera, Two Step Salsa led his five opponents through an opening quarter in :22.60 and a half-mile in :44.66 while racing along the inside under Martin Pedroza.

Two Step Salsa was followed by multiple graded stakes winner and 2.20-to-1 favorite Salute the Sarge through the turn before that foe gave way in the stretch to finish fifth.

The Petionville colt responded when challenged briefly by Grade 1 winner Dixie Chatter and gradually increased his advantage turning for home to complete seven furlongs in 1:20.66 on the Cushion Track surface.

“Coming out of the gate, if you watch the head-on, I clipped heels with [Rapidity], his left leg with my right leg,” Pedroza said. “He kind of sat down for a minute and I had to ask to him to get going. Once I got to the front he was just galloping, just cruising.”

Afleet Ruler rallied three deep in the stretch to secure second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of Dixie Chatter.

Trained by Julio Canani, Two Step Salsa won his first two career starts at Santa Anita Park in an allowance/optional claiming race on March 7 and a maiden special weight race on January 20. 

Out of the Seattle Slew mare Two to Waltz, Two Step Salsa improved to three wins in four starts and boosted his earnings to $139,730.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jenny Blandford is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor