Hoffenheim, a bust as a 2- and 3-year-old after being purchased for $900,000 at a 2-year-olds in-training sale, won for the third time in his career as a 13-1 outsider in Sunday's seventh race.
Hoffenheim stalked the pace through an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option before prevailing by 3 1-4 lengths under jockey Martin Pedroza, Trained and co-owned by David Jacobson, Hoffenheim paid $28.40.
A 5-year-old gelding by Midnight Lute, Hoffenheim was trained by Bob Baffert and Simon Callaghan earlier in his career before he was claimed by Jacobson for $40,000 in January. This was Hoffenheim's third start for Jacobson after two second place finishes in optional claimers in which was eligible to be claimed in March
Hoffenheim was considered a Triple Crown prospect in early 2016, but only won a maiden race in that portion of his campaign.
There were two claims for $62,500. Clear the Mine, who finished second, was taken by Vladimir Cerin. Top of the Game, the 2-1 favorite who finished fifth, was claimed in a two-way shake by Ryan Hanson.