French Deputy’s Victory Eases Loss of ‘Wildcat

Undefeated French Deputy, winning for the third time, coasted by 11 lengths Thursday at Santa Anita, somewhat cushioning the blow his owners received earlier in the day when Hollywood Wildcat was retired.

Before French Deputy’s victory, Irv and Marge Cowan announced that Hollywood Wildcat, their champion 3-year-old filly in 1993, has a tendon injury discovered earlier in the week. Hollywood Wildcat was preparing for Sunday’s Santa Margarita Handicap, and Irv Cowan said that she might have also run against males in the Santa Anita Handicap on March 11.

French Deputy, running around two turns for the first time, came from just off the pace to outdistance Awesome Thought, running a mile in 1:36 1/5. Neil Drysdale, who also trained Hollywood Wildcat, said that plans are indefinite for the 3-year-old colt.