Unbridled’s Note, runner-up in the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1), emerged victorious as the favorite in the $76,900 Joe Hernandez H. over the Santa Anita downhill turf course Saturday afternoon. The 4-year-old colt by Unbridled’s Song earned an impressive 103 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance.

Under jockey Corey Nakatani, Unbridled’s Note broke keenly and rattled off fractions of :21.44 and :44.05 seconds in the 6 ½-furlong race. After crossing over the dirt into the stretch, he found his best stride and put in his usual good finish in the niche sprint on grass, gamely turning back multiple stakes winner Chips All In to hit the wire first in 1:11.17 – just a few ticks off the Santa Anita course record set by 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag.

Unbridled’s Note increased his bankroll to $457,581 with his fourth victory from 10 lifetime starts, including a win in the Eddie D. Stakes (G3) on the same hillside turf course at Santa Anita last September.

“We’re glad to get him going again,” said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “These down-the-hill races, there isn’t anything easy about them.”

The win gave his sire Unbridled’s Song his fourth new stakes winner of 2013. Unbridled’s Song reached a stallion milestone earlier in February when he sired his 100th lifetime stakes winner after Graydar captured the Donn H. (G1). Unbridled’s Song is currently ranked third nationally in North American progeny earnings, and fourth on the general sire list.