DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2015) – Longshot Solid Wager rallied from last through the middle of the stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar.
Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and Stanford Stables and trained by Peter Miller.
He has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $330,606 and was coming off an Oct. 8 optional claiming win.
Jockey Joe Talamo, who was married Friday, inherited the mount on Solid Wager when Victor Espinoza, originally named on the 4-year-old gelding, called in ill Sunday and was excused from his lone mount on the program.
“Well, isn’t this sweet. Nice way to end the week,” said Talamo. “He’s a nice horse and he was a runner today. Peter didn’t give me any special instructions. He just said ride him. He said he’ll lay back and to keep him clear. He was way back, but they were going fast enough up there. I’m not sure if I’ve ever done this before (picked up the mount on a stakes winner). But I’m sure glad I did.”
Solid Wager ran the seven furlongs in 1:22.23 and won by one-half length over Raised a Secret at odds of 9-1, with Got Even third in the field of seven. Grade I winner Big Macher, the 2-5 favorite, tossed his head in an awkward start and finished last.