Not All Problems Are in the Betting Lines
Three horses were declared non-starters by the stewards, even though they completed the course in the second race at Santa Anita Thursday.
The decision resulted in four daily-double payoffs--one for Second Copy and Bahatur, who won the first two races, and three consolations for Second Copy and the non-starters in the second race.
The start of the second race was delayed for a few minutes when Maid By Steele, the favorite, was a veterinarian’s scratch at the gate.
When the field was reloaded, the gate opened with an assistant starter still holding onto Riche Danseur. The horse carried the assistant starter for a few strides before he dropped in the mud. Riche Danseur veered to the left, interfering with Pirate McKid and Gin Murray.
Other than the daily doubles, all bets were refunded on the three horses, who trailed the rest of the field across the finish line.
Pete Pedersen, one of the three stewards, said that they had referred to racing’s “fair play” rule in making the decision.
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