In an impressive comeback, the seasoned racehorse There Goes Harvard secured a decisive victory in the Grade 3 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita Park. This was his first win since the Breeders' Cup Turf last November, marking the end of a prolonged dry spell. Under the expert guidance of jockey Frankie Dettori, the horse led from start to finish in this $100,000 turf event, covering 1¼ miles. The race saw There Goes Harvard set comfortable early fractions and cruise to a 3¼-length triumph over Easter, with Lord Bullingdon taking third place. Dettori capitalized on the lack of speed in the field, positioning his mount strategically to secure the win.

The San Marcos Stakes took place on a sunny Saturday at Santa Anita Park, where racing enthusiasts gathered to witness the return of one of the sport's notable figures. There Goes Harvard, now owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber, had not raced since fading to tenth in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar. Trainer Michael McCarthy noted that the horse seemed fresh after the long break but managed to carve out a decent pace throughout the race. Dettori’s decision to take the lead early paid off as he maintained a comfortable rhythm, setting fractions of 23.96 for the first quarter mile, 48.08 for the half, and 1:12.72 for six furlongs.

As the race progressed, There Goes Harvard extended his lead through the stretch, demonstrating his dominance. Dettori mentioned that the absence of significant early speed allowed him to take advantage of the situation. "I decided to push forward and found myself leading easily," he said. "The backstretch was smooth, and I felt confident moving into the final stretch." The jockey praised the horse's performance, noting how relaxed and engaged it remained throughout the race. Easter made a late charge but could only manage second place, just edging out Lord Bullingdon by a nose.

The victory marked a significant milestone for There Goes Harvard, who has now earned $764,560 in prize money over 21 starts. Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners expressed gratitude for acquiring the horse and highlighted the trainer Michael McCarthy's skill in preparing him for this comeback. With this win, expectations are high for future performances, especially considering the horse's resilience and potential. The success in the San Marcos Stakes underscores the enduring talent of There Goes Harvard and sets the stage for more competitive outings ahead.