DEL MAR, Calif. -- California Chrome took the lead out of the gate and ran away with the Pacific Classic.
The highest-earning horse in North America history, California Chrome won the $1 million race by 5 lengths at Del Mar on Saturday for his 14th victory in 23 career starts.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, California Chrome ran 1¼ miles in 2:00.13 and paid $4.20, $2.60 and $2.20 as the 3-5 favorite in the field of nine. Espinoza finally won the stakes race in his 16th try.
Horse of the Year in 2014 after winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the 5-year-old chestnut extended his winning streak to five races, including a hard-fought victory over Dortmund in the San Diego Handicap on July 23.
Espinoza, who won the 2015 Triple Crown riding American Pharoah, said he knew from the start that California Chrome was destined for the victory.
"I was kind of surprised that I opened up 2 or 3 lengths right out of the gate," Espinoza said. "At that time, I was very confident. ... He's just an amazing horse," Espinoza said. "He won so easy today. I'm going to say this now -- he is the best horse I've ever ridden."
Defending champ Beholder returned $3.20 and $2.60, while Dortmund was another 2¼ lengths back in third and paid $2.40 to show.
Trainer Art Sherman won his first Pacific Classic, as did owners Perry Martin and Kentucky's Taylor Made Farm.
"How can you say anything more about him?" Sherman said. "He is just the best horse in the country."
California Chrome added to his North American record earnings with the $600,000 share, moving to $13,252,650. He also became the third horse to win the Pacific Classic from the No. 1 post.
"I saw the hold he had on the first turn and he was just cruising," Sherman said. "I said, 'It's all over.'"
In other races on Saturday's card, Harmonize won the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks, covering 11/8 miles on turf in 1:48.71. Trained by William Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, Harmonize rallied in the final furlong to overtake two other horses. She paid $9.20, $5.40, and $3.40.
Ashleyluvssugar won the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap by a nose at 2:16.11 on the 13/8-mile turf track. Trained by Peter Eurton and ridden by Gary Stevens, Ashleyluvssugar took the lead in the stretch and a photo finish over Metaboss, paying $7, $4, and $2.80.
SARATOGA
Songbird is 10-0
Songbird, a 3-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, won the $600,000 Grade I Alabama States on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Songbird covered the 1¼-mile race in 2:03 on a fast track for jockey Mike Smith, finishing 7 lengths ahead of Going for Broke, who was racing in her first stakes race.
Songbird paid $2.40 to win and $2.10 to place as the 1-5 favorite. Going for Broke paid $5.90 to place. There was no show wagering on the race.
"I was just happy to see her out there and rating nicely, Mike looked pretty confident on her," Songbird trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. "I thought she would run well down the lane and she did. I never like to say it's easy but she's just got a lot of talent."
Songbird has won all 10 starts of her career. Last year's champion 2-year-old filly has six Grade I victories, her two most recent New York victories and the Santa Anita Oaks this year, as well as last year's Del Mar Debutante and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Smith was aboard for all 10 of Songbird's victories. Hollendorfer said Songbird's next start could be the Cotillion for 3-year-old fillies Sept. 24 at Parx Racing in Philadelphia.
Sports on 08/21/2016