Snow Chief Attempts to Become Sixth California-Bred to Earn $1 Million

Snow Chief, winner of the Hollywood Futurity in his last start, will try to become the sixth California-bred horse to earn $1 million in a career Sunday when he makes his 3-year-old debut in the $100,000 California Breeders’ Stakes at Santa Anita.

Eight other horses are entered in Sunday’s seven-furlong race and they’ll be running with a weight advantage of either 7 or 12 pounds over Snow Chief, who because of his impressive record must carry 126.

The field, from the rail, consists of Good and Gooey, to be ridden by Gary Stevens; Time To Smoke, Chris McCarron; Air Pirate, Laffit Pincay; Menevazzle, Ruben Hernandez; Don B. Blue, Corey Black; Variety Road, Ray Sibille; Dancing Pirate, Eddie Delahoussaye; Snow Chief, Alex Solis, and Rambling Monti, Dario Lozoya.

Dancing Pirate will carry 119 pounds, and the other starters, except Snow Chief, will each tote 114.

Snow Chief’s $589,000 win in the Hollywood Futurity by 6 1/2 lengths Dec. 15 increased his lifetime earnings to $935,740, which broke the record for a 2-year-old. The old mark was set by Chief’s Crown when he earned $920,890 in 1984.

Ancient Title heads the list of Cal-bred millionaires with $1,252,791. In an era when purse money wasn’t as plentiful, it took Ancient Title 57 races and seven years to reach that total before he was retired as an 8-year-old in 1978.

The versatile gelding died in 1981 after intestinal surgery.

Following Ancient Title on the state money list are Flying Paster, Silveyville, Native Diver and Fali Time. A win Sunday would move Snow Chief within $7,000 of Fali Time.

In today’s $100,000 San Carlos Handicap at Santa Anita, undefeated Phone Trick will race five rivals as he tries for his seventh win.