$175,000 Cal Cup Classic Presented by City National Bank NORVSKY

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2011) – Favored Norvsky, filling in nicely for injured stablemate Acclamation, ran down pacesetter Lucky Primo in deep stretch to win Saturday’s thrilling $175,000 California Cup Classic, presented by City National Bank, for Cal-breds or Cal-sireds at 1 1/8 miles on the Santa Anita turf course.

Norvsky is by Vronsky, out of the Flying Paster mare Fimbrelith, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Johnston, Johnston & Riggio, trained by Donald Warren and ridden by Rafael Bejarano, who earlier won the Cal Cup Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies races.

“It’s great to have the ‘B’ team win a race,” said Warren. “The horse is a deep closer, but I just told Rafael not to drop 15 lengths out of it like he sometimes does.”

Norvsky has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $392,844 and was coming off a second in the Sept. 25 Hinds Handicap.

“We’re very thrilled,” said Johnston. “When Rafael got clear, I felt very comfortable. He really finishes well. Although Acclamation is out a while, maybe he can carry the blanket.”

Norvsky, the 3-2 favorite, ran the 1 1/8 on turf in 1:46.97 and won by a neck over Lucky Primo, who nosed out the fast-closing Holladay Road for second.

For Norvsky’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/norvsky.