Proud Tower Too Gets Back on Right Track

A return to sprinting was all Proud Tower Too needed to begin a new win streak.

One of the casualties of an extremely fast pace in the Sunshine Millions Classic on Jan. 28, the 4-year-old Proud Irish colt cut back in distance Sunday and responded with a one-length victory over 7-5 favorite Thor’s Echo in the $138,750 Sensational Star Handicap on Sunday at Santa Anita.

Switched from the turf to the dirt because of the weekend rain, the Sensational Star was reduced to seven starters and the two betting choices dominated.

The 2-1 second choice, Proud Tower Too, who is trained by Sal Gonzalez for owner-breeder Daniel Cardenas’ Tricar Stables Inc., now has four wins in his last five starts around one turn. Ridden by David Cohen, who was aboard for his 20-1 upset in the Malibu, a Grade I, on Dec. 26, the California bred ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.55.

Red Warrior, who was second to Grand Appointment in the race a year ago, finished third, three lengths behind Thor’s Echo. Jack’s Wild, Swiss Lad, Summer Service and High Standards, who was eased in the stretch, completed the order of finish.

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Siren Lure, the 17-10 second choice, proved his versatility, winning the $85,140 Daytona Handicap after it was moved off his preferred surface -- the turf -- and run on the main track.

In beating 9-2 third choice Railroad by 1 1/2 lengths, the 5-year-old Joyeux Danseur gelding won for the fifth time in seven starts since being claimed for $50,000 by trainer Art Sherman for a partnership last May 8 at Bay Meadows. Alex Solis rode Siren Lure, who ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.20 to his third win in seven starts on dirt. He has won six of nine on the grass.

Jungle Prince, the 6-5 favorite, finished third, two lengths behind the winner.

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Trainer Steve Knapp, who led the standings at Oak Tree last fall, ended an 0-for-60 drought when 9-2 shot Gold Bankers Gold won the sixth race. Knapp’s last winner before Gold Bankers Gold had been Natural Phenomenon in the first race Jan. 12.

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In other races across the country, favored Big Apple Daddy won the $65,000 Hollie Hughes Handicap at Aqueduct, 5-2 choice Dyna’s Destiny won the $60,000 Gaily Gaily Stakes at Gulfstream Park, and 4-5 favorite Frisco Star remained unbeaten in three starts with a win in the $40,000 Novato at Golden Gate Fields.

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Folklore, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and the 2-year-old female champion of 2005, won’t be a participant in the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks on March 12. The daughter of Tiznow, who is owned by the estate of Bob Lewis and his widow Beverly, was beaten in the Santa Ynez Stakes in her lone start of the year Jan. 16.