From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–A 4 ½ furlong first out maiden winner on May 31, Craig Martin’s homebred Fast Enough rallied late to collar longshot Sacred Rider close to home in winning Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby by a neck under Tiago Pereira, who collected his second stakes win of the day. Trained by Rafael Becerra, Fast Enough, a 3-year-old gelding by Eddington, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:45.23.
The Cal Cup Derby is part of the lucrative Golden State Series. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State Series is for California-bred or sired horses.
Seventh, about five lengths off the lead mid-way around the far turn, Fast Enough rallied five-deep turning for home and gradually gained the advantage with about 30 yards to run.
Off at 9-2 in a field of nine Cal-bred or sired sophomores, Fast Enough paid $11.60, $8.60 and $5.80.
Out of the Bertrando mare Brilliant Melody, Fast Enough is now two for two and with the winner’s check of $110,000, he has earnings of $149,000.
“I’ve been the smallest of the small owners,” said Martin. “Until recently, I lived in Alaska, but I love Santa Anita. I claimed his dam Brilliant Melody about five years ago for $40,000 and it didn’t work out, but I’ve been able to breed her the last five years. To be able to win a race like this at Santa Anita is beyond description.”
Sacred Rider, who shipped south from Golden Gate Fields, was an attentive third early and when early pacesetter Bettor Trip Nick tried to slow the pace down heading up the backside, he stayed clear of any traffic trouble while about three lanes off the fence.
Off at 36-1 under Abel Cedillo, Sacred Rider, who finished five lengths in front of Bettor Trip Nick, paid $28.20 and $11.00.
Ridden by Catalino Martinez, Bettor Trip Nick, who was off at 7-2, paid $4.80 to show.
Fractions on the race were 23.64, 47.83, 1:12.21 and 1:38.51.