SANTA ANITA : Best Pal Gets Top Weight for Big ‘Cap

Best Pal was assigned the top weight of 122 pounds Sunday for the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on Saturday, when he will try to become only the second horse after John Henry to win the race twice.

Successful in the San Antonio Handicap last month, the 7-year-old gelding will be trying to duplicate his 1992 victory.

In the Big ‘Cap, Best Pal will be coupled in the wagering with Strub runner-up Dramatic Gold, who was given 120 pounds, because both are owned by John and Betty Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm.

The other probable starters for the 1 1/4-mile Grade event I are Nancys French Fry (113 pounds), Dare And Go (120), Urgent Request (116), and Johann Quatz (115). If only six start, the field for the Big ‘Cap would be the smallest since Alysheba beat three rivals in 1988.

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College Town rallied from last to beat heavily favored Romarin by a head in the $108,800 Arcadia Handicap at Santa Anita.

Originally scheduled for the turf, the Arcadia was moved to the dirt because of the rain and was reduced to only five starters after River Flyer, Alex The Great, Inner City and Mighty Forum were scratched.

Romarin, the 4-5 favorite, set the pace and opened a lead of 4 1/2 lengths with a furlong to run, but College Town, the 7-2 second choice, got up under Laffit Pincay in 1:40 3/5 for the mile on the sloppy track.

Finder’s Fortune finished third, 12 lengths behind, then came Luthier Fever and Marvin’s Faith.

With rain forecast for most of this week, trainer Mel Stute said there is a possibility College Town could return in the Santa Anita Handicap.

“You never know about us, we might,” Stute said. “He’s sound, and if the weather continues to be rainy, we would definitely take a look at it.”

College Town earned $63,800 for owner David Brown, who turned 61 on Sunday.