Game On Dude showed once again how much he loves Santa Anita Park when he defeated a very solid field of runners in the $250,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon.
Under Chantal Sutherland, the even-money favorite got off to a good beginning from gate eight and moved up three wide around the first turn to challenge for the lead. Coil had gotten off to a good start along the inside to take the early advantage, but quickly settled back into third as Tres Borrachos came through to take the lead. Game On Dude was pressuring in second, with Preamble in fourth.
The opening fractions were very stiff: :22 1/5, :45 1/5, and 1:09 flat. Despite this intense pace, Game On Dude turned for home on the front end and appeared to be on his way to a fairly easy win. Coil was staying on well, but not really making up any ground. But the eight-year-old Awesome Gem was charging furiously on the outside, bearing down on Game On Dude with every stride. But the wire came to soon, and Game On Dude held on for a narrow three-quarter length triumph. Coil held third while the mare Miss Match came on mildly to complete the superfecta.
-Keelerman
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