Horse racing newsletter: Louis Rabaut’s latest Kentucky Oaks rankings

By John CherwaSpecial Contributor

March 22, 2021 4 AM PT

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as the stewards’ rulings have a little variety this week.

Before we close out the books on this past week’s racing action, our Kentucky correspondent Louis Rabaut, of the Horse Racing Happy Hour, is back with his Kentucky Oaks rankings. There was a good race at the Fair Grounds this weekend, and the rankings got shuffled up, so let’s hear Louis’ thoughts.

“Tell me if you’ve heard this story before. Another major prep, another Brad Cox monster. SoCal race fans may not love that he won the Eclipse Award last year (including our most venerable and distinguished newsletter host John Cherwa, who voted for Bob Baffert in total homer vote), but the guy can get ‘em ready.

“And tell me if you’ve heard this one. It’s Travel Column and Clairiere up top. Three races, three times these two fillies have finished 1-2. With Travel Column winning the most recent, the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks in New Orleans, she takes a 2-1 series lead in their budding rivalry. I’d love to know: do horses recognize each other after a while? Does Clariere think, “There’s that gray one that keeps getting ahead of me?”

“The FG Oaks is the first 100-point race on the Oaks trail, of which there are only six. By contrast, on the Derby trail, there are eight. This makes mathematical sense, as there are up to 20 starters in the Derby, and a maximum of 14 in the Oaks. By virtue of their performances in the FG Oaks and previously in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, Travel Column and Clariere sit atop the our Kentucky Oaks point standings. Both will be in the starting gate for the Kentucky Oaks, assuming good health.

Enjoying this newsletter?

Subscribe to the Los Angeles Times.

“Go ahead and get excited about Travel Column. She runs eerily similarly to both Monomoy Girl and Shedaresthedevil, winners of the 2018 and 2020 Oaks, respectively. I hated the trip for Clairiere, whose jockey Joe Talamo had her last in the field, giving her little chance to make a serious bid for the lead. My guess is he won’t ride her in the Oaks. Look for trainer Steve Asmussen to give the nod to preferred Churchill Downs jockey Ricardo Santana, Jr.

“After the Rachel Alexandra, I moved both Clariere and Travel Column up in my rankings, as I was impressed with both. After this last race, there’s no mistaking that both are terrific, but that Travel Column’s running style is more likely to win the Oaks. She stalked Souper Sensational on the front, set moderate fractions (24.35, 48.64, 1:12.25, 1:36.27) and overtook her one opponent to pull away for a 2 ¾ length victory. In a 14-horse field, being on or near the front is crucial. Shedaresthedevil and Serengeti Empress both went out front and never looked back in the two most recent runs for the lilies.

“The other horse in my top 10 that ran in the FG Oaks was Zaajel, the Todd Pletcher trained winner of the Forward Gal at Gulfstream Park. This was her first time going two turns, and it showed, as she stalked the pace and fell out of it altogether in the final stretch. She’ll drop out of my rankings, as she has no chance to qualify for the Oaks.

“The Oaks trail heats up in a serious way the next two weeks, as all the preps will be completed on or before April 3. This coming weekend is the Gulfstream Park Oaks, another 100-point race. Malathaat, another Pletcher-trainee, will run in GP Oaks; she was third in our last rankings after her win in the Grade 2 Demoiselle at Aqueduct, run over two turns at 1 ⅛ mile.

“Please welcome Travel Column to the top of the rankings. Clairiere, despite her running style, will stay in the top five, as I think a jockey change could shore up many of her issues. Search Results, Chad Brown’s top NY-based filly, moves into the top 10 this week, replacing Zaajel.

“See you next time.

Travel Column (6)
Will’s Secret (2)
Malathaat (3)
Clairiere (1)
Girl Daddy (4)
Dayoutoftheoffice (5)
Kalypso (7)
Wholebodemeister
Search Results (NR)
Mnasek (10)”

Louis Rabaut is a Louisville-based co-host of the Horse Racing Happy Hour podcast, alongside Megan Devine and Mike Gandolfo. New episodes release every Thursday on all major podcast platforms. Follow him on Twitter @LouisRabaut.

Stewards’ rulings

We’ve got a good variety of violations this week, not just the usual riding crop infractions. Although we have a lot of them too. Let’s get to it.

--Jockey Ruben Fuentes was fined $500 for violation of the riding crop rule while aboard Varoma in the second race on March 7. Fuentes used the crop more than six times, the allowable limit. Varoma finshed third in the six-horse race. Fuentes acknowledged the mistake and waived his right to a hearing. It was his first offense in the last 60 days.

--Owner/trainer Lance Hellum was suspended indefinitely for failing to fulfill a financial agreement he signed with Jason Baker (Bradbury Farms) for $2,416. The agreement was made on Dec. 12, 2020. During this time Hellum is barred from all facilities governed by the CHRB.

--Owner George Yager, trainer Art Sherman and jockey Jessica Pyfer were ordered to return all purse money when the horse Palm d’Oro was disqualified from first in the third race at Los Alamitos on Dec. 20, 2020 after testing positive for Desmethylpyrilamine, an antihistamine. Yager (BG Stable) was ordered to repay $12,000, Sherman owes $1,200 and Pyfer owes $1,062. Rocketann is the new winner of the race. None of the respondents appeared at the hearing. The decision does not change any of the previous pari-mutuels distributed.

--Veterinarian Sarah Birch was fined $200 for filing a late confidential report on Feb. 12. Birch admitted she filed the report late and apologized for the “subpar bookkeeping skills.”

--Jockey Brandon Boulanger was fined $500 for violating the riding crop rule while aboard Derby War in the second race on March 12. Boulanger used the crop more than six times. Derby War finished fifth in the eight-horse race. Boulanger acknowledged he violated the rule. It was his first offense in the past 60 days.

--Apprentice jockey Emily Ellingwood was fined $500 for violating the riding crop rule while aboard Saving Sophie in the sixth race on March 12. Ellingwood used the crop more than six times. Saving Sophie finished second, 5 ½ lengths behind the winner. Ellingwod acknowledged violating the rule. It was her first offense in the past 60 days.

--Jockey Juan Hernandez was fined $1,000 for violating the riding crop rule while aboard Media Blitz in the fifth race on March 13. Video confirmed that Hernandez struck his horse seven times down the stretch. Media Blitz finished second by a neck. It was Hernandez’s third offense in the past 60 days.

--Trainer Patrick Gallagher was fined $400 for failing to register his horse, Positivity, as needing Lasix before the closing of entries for the third race on March 13. Positivity finished fourth in the four-horse race.

--Trainer John Sadler was fined $1,500 for a medication positive on Rattrapante, who working to get off the Veterinarian’s List. The then unraced 3-year-old was working out Dec. 21, 2020 at Santa Anita when he had an excess amount of a metabolite of Dantrolene (45.4 ng), a muscle relaxant. The authorized limit is 0.1 ng. Sadler said the barn veterinarian had prescribed the medication to several horses including Rattrapante. Sadler also said the horse was accidentally given some of the medication on the day of the workout. He offered no other explanation.

--Trainer Paul Aguirre is suspended for an adjusted 15 days (March 29-April 12) after his horse Smiling to Excess tested positive after finishing second in the second race at Los Alamitos on Dec. 14, 2019. In addition, he was fined $500. The medication was Gabapentin, a drug commonly used to treat chronic pain or as an anticonvulsant. The original suspension was for 30 days (march 29-April 27) but 15 days were stayed providing that Aguirre does not have a Class 1,2 or 3 drug violation for a year, while he is on probation.

--This was reported last week, but jockey Robby Albarado was suspended three days (March 21, 26 ans 27) for a violation of the riding crop rule while aboard Swiss Skydiver in the eighth race on March 13. Albarado used the crop in the overhand position instead of the underhanded position. Swiss Skydiver won the Beholder Mile. It was Albarado’s first suspension in the past 60 days. Albarado usually rides in Gulfstream at this time of year.

--Jockey Flavien Prat was fined $500 for violation of the riding crop while aboard Sombeyay in the seventh race on March 13. Prat used the crop more than two times in succession. Sombeyay finished second by a neck. Prat acknowledged he violated the rule. It was his first offense in the past 60 days.

Santa Anita review

Sunday’s feature was the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Cal-breds going six furlongs on the turf. Brandothebartender, making his 42nd start, rallied from last near the top of the stretch to slip past a blanket of horses and win by 1 ¼ lengths. It was actually a very tight race where several horses had a shot, but Brando’s clear path on the outside made things easier.

Brandothebartender paid $7.40, $3.80 and $2.60. Jamming Eddy was second followed by Desmond Doss, Jetovator, Royal Trump, Prodigal Son and Margot’s Boy.

Craig Dollase (winning trainer): “I’m just so happy for these owners. They’re new to the business and we’ve had a lot of seconds and thirds, but the wins have been tough to come by. Looking at the race, I thought he could win because of the way it set up. It looked like there was plenty of speed and there was. I loved the outside post today and it worked out. This horse brings it every time. He’s 8-years-old, but he doesn’t know it!”

Umberto Rispoli (winning jockey): “He’s such a versatile horse. He has been run on the grass, on the dirt, I’ve been riding him everywhere, six furlongs, mile and an eighth, mile and sixteenth, a mile, whatever. He’s a fighter, he’s the kind of horse that you will love for life. For owners that’s a good chance for them having such a nice horse like that, growing old in age but being always at the top for Cal-breds, I think he’s a big success.”

Big races review

A look at graded stakes or races worth $100,000 on Sunday or late Saturday.

Late Saturday

Sam Houston (4): $100,000 Spirit of Texas Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 6 furlongs. Winner: Gunnerscelesticman ($14.60)

Sam Houston (5): $100,000 Star of Texas Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 1 mile. Winner: Direct Dial ($3.20)

Sam Houston (6): $100,000 Groovy Stakes, Tex-breds 3-year-olds, 6 furlongs. Winner: Silece d’Oro ($6.40)

Sam Houston (7): $100,000 Richard King Turf Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Winning: Sunlit Song ($4.20)

Sam Houston (8): $100,000 Bara Lass Stakes, Tex-bred fillies 3-years-old, 6 furlongs. Winner: Happy Sailor ($7.20)

Sam Houston (9): $100,000 San Jacinto Turf Stakes, Tex-bred fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles on turf. Favorite: Discreet Smile ($7.60)

Sam Houston (10): $100,000 Yellow Rose Stakes, Tex-bred fillies and mares 4 and up, 6 furlongs. Winner: Ima Discreet Lady ($4.80)

Sunday

Santa Anita (7): $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes, Cal-breds 4 and up, 6 furlongs on turf. Winner” Brandothebartender ($7.20)

A final thought

I love getting new readers of this newsletter, and you certainly can’t beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you don’t like it, you’re probably not reading this.

Either way, send this along to a friend, and just have them click here to sign up. Remember, it’s free, and all we need is your email address, nothing more.

Any thoughts, you can reach me at john.cherwa@latimes.com. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa.

And now here’s the star of the show, Sunday’s results.

Santa Anita Charts Results for Sunday, March 21.

FIRST RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $36,000. Starter Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $50,000. Time 23.62 47.25 1:11.90 1:23.68 1:35.60


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

3	Constitutionaffair	126	3	2	2–2	2–2	2–1½	1–2½	1–3	Cedillo	4.60
7	Liar Liar	126	7	7	7	7	7	5–hd	2–nk	Prat	1.20
6	Rager	126	6	5	4–1	5–1½	5–½	6–hd	3–hd	Rispoli	6.00
2	Talking	126	2	3	3–1	3–1	3–½	3–1	4–2	Gonzalez	11.00
5	Hoop Dream	126	5	4	6–1½	6–2	6–½	7	5–½	Hernandez	4.00
1	Witch's Vow	126	1	1	1–2	1–2	1–½	2–½	6–1	Fuentes	15.90
4	Chasing Fame	118	4	6	5–½	4–½	4–1½	4–½	7	Gutierrez	12.70

3	CONSTITUTIONAFFAIR	11.20	4.60	3.40
7	LIAR LIAR (IRE)		2.60	2.40
6	RAGER			3.40

$1 EXACTA (3-7)	$15.10
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-7-6-2)	$29.31
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (3-7-6-2-5)	$740.00
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-7-6)	$30.60

Winner–Constitutionaffair Ch.g.4 by Constitution out of Street Affair, by Street Cry (IRE). Bred by Troy Rankin (KY). Trainer: Mark Glatt. Owner: Sterling Racing LLC. Mutuel Pool $210,073 Exacta Pool $102,383 Superfecta Pool $41,462 Super High Five Pool $53,795 Trifecta Pool $73,098. Scratched–none.

CONSTITUTIONAFFAIR stalked a bit off the rail then in the two path, bid alongside at the quarter pole, took over and kicked clear in upper stretch, then drew away under strong handling. LIAR LIAR (IRE) angled in early then moved off the rail into the backstretch, traveled two then three wide around the far turn, came out and chased five wide in upper stretch, then rallied to best the rest. RAGER sat off the pace two or three wide, went two wide around the far turn, angled out four wide entering the stretch and got outkicked for the place. TALKING tracked the leader from inside around the first turn then moved out into the two path, remained two wide to the stretch, finished evenly through the final furlong and was outfinished for the place and show. HOOP DREAM stumbled a bit at the start, raced off the pace along the inside, came off the rail entering the lane, lacked room in upper stretch, moved out to a clear path and improved position late. WITCH'S VOW sped to the front from inside, controlled the pace up the backstretch, challenged at the quarter pole and offered little resistance to the winner leaving that turn, then faded inside the furlong grounds. CHASING FAME tucked inside on the first turn, stayed inside to the stretch then tipped out and weakened.

SECOND RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $22,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 24.20 48.30 1:13.76 1:26.89 1:40.68


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

5	Our Bonnie Lass	119	4	1	2–2	1–hd	1–4	1–10	1–6½	Pyfer	0.40
1	Keep It Classy	126	1	2	5	5	4–1	2–hd	2–4¼	Valdivia, Jr.	4.00
4	Watch the Fed	126	3	4	1–½	2–1½	2–3	3–2	3–2¾	Desormeaux	5.50
2	Slewpys Last Song	126	2	5	4–1	3–2	3–hd	4–2	4–3¼	Franco	22.80
6	Partyatthecapital	126	5	3	3–½	4–3	5	5	5	Flores	10.10

5	OUR BONNIE LASS	2.80	2.10	2.10
1	KEEP IT CLASSY		2.80	2.10
4	WATCH THE FED			2.20

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-5)	$19.80
$1 EXACTA (5-1)	$2.50
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-1-4-2)	$1.67
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-1-4)	$2.95
$2 CONSOLATION DOUBLE (3-3)	$11.60

Winner–Our Bonnie Lass B.f.4 by Birdstone out of Bonnyville, by Salt Lake. Bred by Silver Springs Stud, LLC (KY). Trainer: Thomas Ray Bell, II. Owner: Bell, Richard A. and Brewster, Clark O.. Mutuel Pool $203,933 Daily Double Pool $38,976 Exacta Pool $96,492 Superfecta Pool $38,559 Trifecta Pool $67,370. Scratched–Bandeena.

OUR BONNIE LASS dueled for the lead outside of WATCH THE FED, cleared foe past the three-eighths and widened under hand urging. KEEP IT CLASSY tracked the top pair from inside, steered out into the clear on the backstretch, took the second turn three then four wide, summoned a mild rally and was clearly second best. WATCH THE FED dueled with OUR BONNIE LASS for command along the inside, lost contact past the three-eighths, drifted into the lane and weakened. SLEWPYS LAST SONG stumbled and propped at the start, went around rivals two then three wide on the first turn, took closer order up the backstretch, chased off the rail then two wide into the stretch and weakened. PARTYATTHECAPITAL went three then two wide around the clubhouse turn, moved to the fence, angled out on the second turn, came three wide into the stretch and had nothing left.

THIRD RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $61,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies. 3 year olds. Time 23.93 49.09 1:13.93 1:26.38 1:38.50


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

3	Big Clare	123	3	6	6	6	5–1	1–1	1–1¾	Prat	0.50
1	Mensa On Tap	123	1	4	3–1	2–½	1–hd	2–½	2–¾	Flores	32.20
4	Sunshine Babe	123	4	5	5–1	4–1½	3–½	3–2	3–2½	T Baze	3.90
2	Warrior Lady	123	2	1	4–½	5–½	6	6	4–1¾	Fuentes	11.40
5	Alot of Magic	123	5	2	2–hd	3–½	4–½	4–1½	5–4½	Rispoli	3.90
6	Striking Tigress	123	6	3	1–1½	1–1	2–1	5–hd	6	Franco	32.30

3	BIG CLARE	3.00	2.40	2.10
1	MENSA ON TAP		12.80	4.00
4	SUNSHINE BABE			2.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-3)	$5.00
$1 EXACTA (3-1)	$17.90
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-1-4-2)	$13.80
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-1-4)	$25.65

Winner–Big Clare Dbb.f.3 by Mr. Big out of Sadie Clare, by Grazen. Bred by Nick Alexander (CA). Trainer: Philip D'Amato. Owner: Nicholas B. Alexander. Mutuel Pool $190,843 Daily Double Pool $20,948 Exacta Pool $78,846 Superfecta Pool $47,304 Trifecta Pool $61,659. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-5-3) paid $6.90. Pick Three Pool $59,072. 50-Cent Consolation Pick Three (3-3-3) paid $4.25.

BIG CLARE was off slow to begin, steadied off heels on the first turn, settled at the back, went outside a rival on the backstretch, came out on the far turn and exited four wide, struck the front in upper stretch, cleared while drifting to the inside and stayed strong to the wire. MENSA ON TAP was off a bit slow to begin, pulled around the first turn from off the rail, moved up to apply pressure past the seven-sixteenths, dueled around the bend and took over at the quarter pole, put away inside rival nearing the lane, was overtaken in upper stretch and stayed on to secure the place. SUNSHINE BABE stalked outside a rival, coaxed three wide on the far turn, bid between in upper stretch but flattened out a bit in deep stretch. WARRIOR LADY stalked the pace inside then in the two path under reserve, angled to the rail on the second bend, tipped out in the drive and lacked a rally. ALOT OF MAGIC steadied briefly off the heels of the leader on the first turn, chased along the rail to the far turn, eased out into the two path around that bend, waited for room at the top of the lane, angled out into the clear and flattened in the furlong grounds. STRIKING TIGRESS sped clear and crossed over to the inside, pressed leaving the backstretch, dueled around the far turn and faded in the stretch.

FOURTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $44,000. Starter Allowance. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $32,000. Time 23.49 47.84 1:13.47 1:25.68 1:37.91


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

1	Miss Bigly	122	1	1	1–1	1–1	1–½	1–½	1–ns	Hernandez	0.60
3	Midnight Jamboree	124	3	3	2–1½	2–1½	2–½	2–3½	2–8½	Pereira	7.10
4	Paige Runner	124	4	4	4–5	3–1	3–5	3–8	3–11	Maldonado	1.80
5	Tip Top Gal	122	5	2	3–hd	4–2	4–4	4–2½	4–4½	Desormeaux	13.10
2	Mongolian Window	115	2	5	5	5	5	5	5	Centeno	25.40

1	MISS BIGLY	3.20	2.20	2.10
3	MIDNIGHT JAMBOREE		4.20	2.20
4	PAIGE RUNNER			2.10

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-1)	$5.60
$1 EXACTA (1-3)	$5.90
50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-3-4)	$4.35

Winner–Miss Bigly B.m.5 by Gemologist out of Miss Puzzle (AUS), by Citidancer (IRE). Bred by SF Bloodstock (KY). Trainer: Philip D'Amato. Owner: Agave Racing Stable and Rockin Robin Racing Stables. Mutuel Pool $189,097 Daily Double Pool $18,703 Exacta Pool $85,089 Trifecta Pool $81,369. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (5-3-1) paid $2.15. Pick Three Pool $24,237.

MISS BIGLY vied for the lead from inside into the first turn, inched ahead from rivals then cleared on the backstretch, met the challenge from MIDNIGHT JAMBOREE in the final furlong and held gamely. MIDNIGHT JAMBOREE vied between rivals into the first turn then was forwardly placed to the outside of the pacesetter, chased three wide to the stretch, drew alongside with a furlong to go, dug in late but could not get by. PAIGE RUNNER raced three deep and between into the clubhouse turn then angled in a bit to chase the leader, steered to the inside on the backstretch, switch out nearing the far turn, put in a mild bid three deep at the quarter pole, could not kick on with the top pair, drifted out a bit from left-handed urging and flattened while maintaining the show. TIP TOP GAL bobbled at the start, raced four deep into the first turn or five wide then moved into the four path, stayed four to five wide around the far turn and came up empty. MONGOLIAN WINDOW threw head her head in a rank beginning, trailed the field in the two path then moved inside for the far turn, entered the stretch a bit off the rail and was never a factor.

FIFTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $61,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies. 3 year olds. Time 21.83 44.86 1:09.14 1:15.48


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

4	Equilove	123	4	7	5–½	4–1½	3–2	1–½	Prat	1.10
5	Xmas Surprise	123	5	2	3–1½	2–hd	1–2	2–2¾	Flores	48.70
7	Cielo d'Oro	123	7	6	6–½	6–4	4–hd	3–nk	Hernandez	5.60
1	Bowl of Cherries	123	1	5	7	5–hd	5–1	4–hd	Valdivia, Jr.	7.90
2	Nobu	123	2	4	1–1	1–1	2–1	5–14	Gonzalez	14.50
3	Lady Macarena	123	3	1	2–½	3–2	6–12	6–7	Rispoli	1.80
6	Flaps Up	116	6	3	4–hd	7	7	7	Ellingwood	49.70

4	EQUILOVE (IRE)	4.20	3.00	2.40
5	XMAS SURPRISE		24.60	9.00
7	CIELO D'ORO			3.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-4)	$6.40
$1 EXACTA (4-5)	$47.30
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-5-7-1)	$86.74
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-5-7-1-2)	$4,918.50
50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-5-7)	$145.95

Winner–Equilove (IRE) B.f.3 by Equiano (FR) out of Arosha (IRE), by Cape Cross (IRE). Bred by Mr Gerry Byrne (IRE). Trainer: Philip D'Amato. Owner: Strand Beach, LLC. Mutuel Pool $241,426 Daily Double Pool $29,854 Exacta Pool $122,501 Superfecta Pool $50,723 Super High Five Pool $6,444 Trifecta Pool $81,664. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-1-4) paid $3.00. Pick Three Pool $52,182. 50-Cent Pick Four (3/5-3-1-4) 4 correct paid $5.35. Pick Four Pool $212,645. 50-Cent Pick Five (3-3/5-3-1-4) 5 correct paid $33.90. Pick Five Pool $588,826.

EQUILOVE (IRE) came away a bit slow, tracked under some reserve, went two then three wide around the turn, closed under right-handed urging and strong handling and reeled in the runner-up in deep stretch. XMAS SURPRISE stalked off the rail then bid outside around the turn, led into the stretch, kicked clear and led to deep stretch and got caught late. CIELO D'ORO broke in and bumped rival leaving the gate, settled off the pace, was bothered by rival and steadied nearing the half-mile pole, angled to the two path after then came three wide into the stretch and got up for the show. BOWL OF CHERRIES was along the inside early while in range, lost ground into the turn, stayed inside to the stretch, kept on and earned a minor award. NOBU sped to the front and set the pace up the backstretch, relinquished the lead leaving the bend and flattened in the late stages. LADY MACARENA chased behind the speed two wide into and around the turn, shifted out in upper stretch, eased past the eighth pole and walked off. FLAPS UP bumped from outside at the start, was hard to ride while drifting out on the backstretch, went four wide into the turn then moved to the inside around the bend and faded.

SIXTH RACE.

1 1/16 Mile. Purse: $24,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $16,000-$12,500. Time 25.01 50.52 1:15.75 1:41.03 1:47.58


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

3	Gotta Be Lucky	124	3	1	1–1	1–1	1–1	1–1	1–2½	Cedillo	2.70
4	Lucky Long Legs	119	4	4	4–2	3–hd	3–1	3–2½	2–½	Pyfer	1.80
6	Secret Square	126	6	2	2–1	2–1	2–½	2–1½	3–2½	Maldonado	2.50
5	Pasito	126	5	3	3–hd	4–2	4–3	4–3	4–2	Fuentes	13.10
2	Realrealgood	119	2	5	5–½	5–1½	5–hd	5–1½	5–4½	Centeno	16.40
1	Info's Treasure	124	1	6	6	6	6	6	6	Pereira	5.40

3	GOTTA BE LUCKY	7.40	3.40	2.60
4	LUCKY LONG LEGS		3.20	2.60
6	SECRET SQUARE			2.60

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (4-3)	$24.80
$1 EXACTA (3-4)	$11.30
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-4-6-5)	$14.32
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-4-6)	$18.25

Winner–Gotta Be Lucky B.m.5 by Lucky Pulpit out of Pogonip, by Street Sense. Bred by C-Punch Ranch Inc. (CA). Trainer: Carla Gaines. Owner: Irvin Racing Stable. Mutuel Pool $212,491 Daily Double Pool $18,630 Exacta Pool $99,822 Superfecta Pool $44,829 Trifecta Pool $67,852. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (1-4-3) paid $12.40. Pick Three Pool $42,611.

GOTTA BE LUCKY established the front quickly, set all the pace to the stretch, asked right-handed in the drive and inched away. LUCKY LONG LEGS moved to the inside early and was well placed behind the leader, cut the corner into the stretch and outkicked SECRET SQUARE for second. SECRET SQUARE was closest in pursuit early in the two path, asked at the three-eighths, chased three wide into the stretch, could not find the needed late response and was outfinished for the place honors. PASITO stalked in the three path on both turns and could not rally when needed. REALREALGOOD steadied at the seven-eighths pole, raced two wide to the stretch and failed to menace. INFO'S TREASURE fractious in the gate, steadied off heels passing the finish line the first time, went two wide into the first turn then moved inside around the bend, came off the rail on the backstretch, entered the stretch four wide and was never a factor.

SEVENTH RACE.

6 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $100,000. 'Sensational Star Stakes'. 4 year olds and up. Time 21.44 44.67 56.62 1:08.51


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

7	Brandothebartender	124	7	2	6–hd	6–hd	5–1	1–1¼	Rispoli	2.70
1	Jamming Eddy	122	1	6	4–½	4–½	3–½	2–nk	Prat	4.30
2	Desmond Doss	122	2	7	2–½	3–½	4–½	3–ns	Cedillo	3.10
3	Jetovator	122	3	3	1–½	1–1	1–½	4–¾	Fuentes	1.90
4	Royal Trump	122	4	4	3–1	2–1	2–½	5–nk	Maldonado	34.30
6	Prodigal Son	122	6	1	7	7	6–hd	6–2	T Baze	43.10
5	Margot's Boy	122	5	5	5–1	5–1½	7	7	Hernandez	8.90

7	BRANDOTHEBARTENDER	7.40	3.80	2.60
1	JAMMING EDDY		4.40	2.80
2	DESMOND DOSS			2.80

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-7)	$34.40
$1 EXACTA (7-1)	$13.70
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (7-1-2-3)	$11.57
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (7-1-2-3-4)	$270.50
50-CENT TRIFECTA (7-1-2)	$21.35

Winner–Brandothebartender B.g.8 by Tribal Rule out of Frysland, by Stravinsky. Bred by John R. Haagsma & Wesley Ward (CA). Trainer: Craig Dollase. Owner: Flawless Racing, Flanagan, Brian and Jarvis, Michael. Mutuel Pool $361,958 Daily Double Pool $27,046 Exacta Pool $159,605 Superfecta Pool $73,385 Super High Five Pool $9,926 Trifecta Pool $118,501. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (4-3-7) paid $22.95. Pick Three Pool $40,981.

BRANDOTHEBARTENDER settled off the pace outside a rival, went two wide around the bend, angled out in the stretch, rallied five wide and drew clear late. JAMMING EDDY stalked from inside then moved out into the two path, came three wide into the stretch, tipped out at the top of the stretch, rallied and was outclosed by the winner while getting bumped late. DESMOND DOSS showed early speed inside of JETOVATOR then was in a bit tight at the seven-sixteenths, chased inside to the lane, steadied in upper stretch then lacked room to the sixteenth pole, gained a clear path and finished well along the fence. JETOVATOR set the pace outside of DESMOND DOSS then cleared that rival approaching the seven-sixteenths, led a bit off the rail into the drive, clung to a short lead with a sixteenth to go then drifted out and brushed rival late. ROYAL TRUMP chased off the inside, asked at the quarter pole, bid between rivals then got bumped late which halted his momentum. PRODIGAL SON sat off the pace inside the winner, saved ground through the turn, came out in the stretch and needed to find more. MARGOT'S BOY tracked off the rail, went three to four wide around the bend and weakened.

EIGHTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $22,000. Waiver Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 22.24 45.39 57.97 1:11.24


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

4	Pelican Way	126	4	9	5–1	5–6	4–7	1–½	Gonzalez	18.70
9	Stir the Pot	119	9	1	1–hd	1–2	1–1½	2–1½	Centeno	2.50
2	Betito	126	2	3	4–2½	3–2½	2–1	3–2¼	Cedillo	2.40
6	Lucky Ryan Seven	126	6	2	2–½	2–hd	3–½	4–1½	Maldonado	5.60
7	El Centenario	126	7	10	10–½	9–½	7–½	5–hd	Prat	4.50
3	Salah	126	3	7	9–1	6–1½	6–2½	6–1¼	T Baze	13.20
5	Chosen Moon	126	5	5	8–hd	10–8	8–2	7–5½	Valdivia, Jr.	15.40
1	Mister Stock	118	1	11	6–1	7–1	9–4	8–½	Flores	70.90
8	Synsky	119	8	4	3–4	4–½	5–1	9–9	Pyfer	28.80
12	Wheres My Cookies	126	11	6	7–2	8–hd	10–11½	10–14	Figueroa	112.60
10	Sounds Sweet	118	10	8	11	11	11	11	Franco	23.70

4	PELICAN WAY	39.40	16.00	7.60
9	STIR THE POT		4.40	3.20
2	BETITO			2.80

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (7-4)	$134.00
$1 EXACTA (4-9)	$113.70
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-9-2-6)	$144.94
50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-9-2)	$196.85
$1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-9-2-6-7)		Carryover $3,399

Winner–Pelican Way Ch.c.4 by Birdstone out of Sky Skier, by Sky Mesa. Bred by Arthur St. George (KY). Trainer: John A. Shirreffs. Owner: Jerome S. Moss. Mutuel Pool $293,468 Daily Double Pool $37,509 Exacta Pool $175,036 Superfecta Pool $107,060 Trifecta Pool $137,209 X-5 Super High Five Pool $4,453. Scratched–Jungle Boy.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-7-4) paid $250.00. Pick Three Pool $48,771.

PELICAN WAY got bumped leaving the gate, advanced up the backstretch, gained ground through the turn, rallied outside the leader and got up late. STIR THE POT away quickly and crossed over to he inside, showed the way in the two path through the turn, shifted inward in upper stretch and got caught late. BETITO broke out a bit, stalked the pace from inside, came off the rail a bit on the turn then moved back to the rail, switch outside the leader at the eighth pole but lacked the needed late kick. LUCKY RYAN SEVEN chased the leader early then moved up to press between rivals, lost touch around the bend and chased three wide into the lane, then flattened out in the final furlong. EL CENTENARIO traveled near the back of the pack, went three wide into the turn, four to five wide into the stretch and kept on through the final furlong. SALAH broke out and bumped rival, saved ground into the drive and improved position. CHOSEN MOON settled off the inside, took the turn two wide and never threatened. MISTER STOCK off a bit slow to begin, chased two then three wide around the turn and lacked further response. SYNSKY had early speed outside the top pair, lost ground around the turn and faded. WHERES MY COOKIES chased four wide around the bend and had little left for the drive. SOUNDS SWEET lacked early speed, went four then three wide around the turn and was never a factor.

NINTH RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $36,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $35,000-$30,000. Time 22.62 46.69 1:11.13 1:35.95 1:48.24


Pgm	Horse	Wt	PP	St	¼	½	¾	Str	Fin	Jockey	$1

5	Dr. Troutman	124	5	1	1–2	1–3	1–½	1–½	1–1¼	Maldonado	8.30
6	Seeking Refuge	124	6	5	6–1	6–1	5–2	3–½	2–½	Desormeaux	4.90
3	Boru	124	3	4	3–hd	3–1	2–1	2–1	3–1¾	Rispoli	4.00
1	Sly	120	1	2	4–2	5–½	3–hd	4–½	4–1¼	Cedillo	11.80
7	Lord Wimborne	120	7	9	9	9	9	8–4	5–ns	Valdivia, Jr.	13.20
9	M Town Gem	124	9	8	7–2	7–2½	6–hd	7–1	6–½	Hernandez	5.00
8	Honos Man	120	8	7	5–hd	4–hd	4–½	6–1	7–10	Prat	2.40
2	Sky Confidential	120	2	3	2–1	2–hd	8–2	9	8–9½	T Baze	30.70
4	Mantra	117	4	6	8–2	8–2	7–½	5–½	9	Centeno	12.20

5	DR. TROUTMAN	18.60	9.20	5.40
6	SEEKING REFUGE		6.20	4.20
3	BORU			3.60

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (4-5)	$364.20
$1 EXACTA (5-6)	$44.70
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-6-3-1)	$164.47
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-6-3-1-7)		Carryover $21,055
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-6-3)	$103.65

Winner–Dr. Troutman Ch.g.7 by Vronsky out of Black Valentine, by Cindago. Bred by Kretz Racing, LLC (KY). Trainer: George Papaprodromou. Owner: Kretz Racing LLC and Papaprodromou, George. Mutuel Pool $326,540 Daily Double Pool $97,612 Exacta Pool $183,698 Superfecta Pool $90,899 Super High Five Pool $23,134 Trifecta Pool $120,809. Claimed–Seeking Refuge by Tim Bankers. Trainer: Manuel Ortiz, Sr. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (7-4-5) paid $529.60. Pick Three Pool $194,306. 50-Cent Pick Four (3-7-4-5) 214 tickets with 4 correct paid $2,209.20. Pick Four Pool $619,217. 50-Cent Pick Five (4-3-7-4-5) 69 tickets with 5 correct paid $6,387.00. Pick Five Pool $572,759. 20-Cent Pick Six Jackpot (1-4-3-7-4-5) 57 tickets with 6 correct paid $2,970.60. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $313,626. Pick Six Jackpot Carryover $345,635.

DR. TROUTMAN cleared the field early to take control, met the challenge from BORU around the far turn, dueled to the stretch, cleared rival mid-stretch and kept to task to the wire. SEEKING REFUGE tracked two wide and between runners around the first turn, came three wide into the stretch and outkicked BORU for the place. BORU was in range outside a rival then three deep past the half-mile pole, bid outside and dueled around the far turn and into the stretch, could not match the winner in the final furlong and got edged for the place. SLY stalked the pace from inside then between on the backstretch, entered the stretch two wide and lacked a serious bid. LORD WIMBORNE (IRE) shifted out and bumped rival leaving the gate, settled at the back, took a bad step leaving the far turn and kept on willingly through the final furlong. M TOWN GEM got bumped leaving the gate, raced outside rivals then off the rail, came four wide into the stretch, altered out twice near the eighth pole and never threatened. HONOS MAN pinballed between rivals at the start, went three wide around the first turn, moved out further on the backstretch, came five wide into the drive, was forced out by rival at the eighth pole and could not rally. SKY CONFIDENTIAL stalked in the two path first time through the stretch then moved inside, dropped back into the far turn and was through early. MANTRA settled inside, went between near the three-eighths, went three wide into the stretch, shifted out then pulled up in distress at the eighth pole, crossed the wire and was vanned off.

Attendance

Handle

On-Track

N/A

$186,735

Inter-Track

N/A

$1,150,992

Out of State

N/A

$7,473,876

TOTAL