From Golden Gate Publicity
ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2015) — A front-running victory aboard 3-2 California-bred favorite Marino’s Wild Cat in the $60,460 Lost in the Fog Stakes highlighted a four-victory afternoon for jockey Silvio Amador at Golden Gate Fields Monday.
Marino’s Wild Cat sped to the lead soon after the start of the six-furlong sprint for older horses and set fractions of 22.78 and 45.17 while being tracked by come-backing Exit Stage Left, who entered the race undefeated in three starts – all stakes victories.
Marino’s Wild Cat held Exit Stage Left at bay through the length of the stretch and scored by 1 3/4 lengths in an impressive 1:08.92. Exit Stage Left, making his first start since winning the California Derby on Jan. 18, 2014, took second by a length over 15-1 outsider Giant Sandman.
“I was very happy the race went the way I thought it would,” said Amador. “It was good that nobody came out to fight me on the lead. I was out there by myself and feeling confident. When (Exit Stage Left) came up to my horse (entering the stretch), I had a pretty good hold and was confident he’d hold him off.”
Baze was pleased with the way Exit Stage Left performed off the long layoff.
“He ran good,” said Baze. “I was happy with the race. In order to beat that horse today, we needed someone to go out there and soften him up a little bit and it didn’t happen today. When we got up to him, I thought, ‘OK, here we go son.’ But he’s been away a little too long. I don’t have any doubts that next time he’ll go right on by that horse.”
Marino’s Wild Cat, a lightly-raced 6-year-old gelding trained by Clifford DeLima, paid $5.00 after collecting his sixth victory in 13 career starts and his second stakes triumph. Owned by breeder Roy Guinnane, Marino’s Wild Cat earned $39,350, a payday that boosted his bankroll to $214,760.
“He’s got speed and he can still finish,” said DeLima. “I figured if nobody went with him he’d be tough. Silvio rides this horse well. I don’t know why but the horse loves him.”