From Los Alamitos Publicity
CYPRESS, Calif. (June 26, 2021) – Favored Desmond Doss rallied from off the pace to wear down Tom’s Surprise, the longest shot in the field at 27-1, to win the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes Saturday for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos.
Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi, the 5-year-old son of Grazen and the Malek mare Malley Girl prevailed by a half-length in the race restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California.
Although Desmond Doss’ trip was not what Miyadi envisioned, the result was the right one for his connections and was the fifth win in 14 starts for the versatile gray. He’s won three of five on dirt and was second in his two defeats and is also a double winner on grass.
“I thought he would be where (Tom’s Surprise) the whole way,’’ said Miyadi, who also won Saturday’s first race in tandem with Alexander with Father O’Flaherty. “I think that was the plan coming out of the gate, but (jockey) Jose Valdivia (Jr., the rider on Tom’s Surprise) covered him up like you’re supposed to do.
“Fortunately for us this horse can handle both dirt and turf. I’d like to keep him on dirt, but the next on dirt against open company is tougher, especially at Del Mar. We’ll see about the ($150,000) California Dreamin’ (for state breds at 1 1/16 miles on turf July 25 at Del Mar).’’
While Scary Fast Smile, who was stretching out after a pair of impressive sprint victories at Santa Anita, set the pace with Tom’s Surprise his closest pursuer, Desmond Doss and Cedillo saved the ground, but rallied widest of all to score in his Los Alamitos debut.
The victory increased his earnings to $289,091. He paid $5.20, $3.60 and $3.60 as the 8-5 choice while completing one mile in 1:36.80.
“We had to wait on the turn,’’ said Cedillo. “He’s a steady, steady type horse and once he got out for the stretch he went after the leader and got him.’’
Making his first start both on dirt and beyond six furlongs after winning four of nine on the Tapeta surface and grass at Golden Gate Fields, Tom’s Surprise returned $12 and $8.20 while finishing one length in front of 11-1 shot Luvluv. The show price on Luvluv was $5. Brandothebartender, the 17-10 second choice, and Scary Fast Smile completed the order of finish.
There was one winning ticket in the Pick Six. The return was $57,919.60.
Racing resumes Sunday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 1 p.m.