Prior to the running of the $100,000 Sham Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park, the speedy Goldencents had never been off the lead during the opening quarter mile of a race. But when circumstances required that Goldencents rate off the lead in the Sham, the colt responded admirably, settling into second before accelerating in the homestretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths.
Ridden skillfully to victory by Kevin Krigger, Goldencents got off to an excellent start at the beginning of the one-mile race, but was beaten to the lead by Manando, who showed surprising early speed to seize command entering the first turn. Thus, Krigger allowed Goldencents to relax off the pace and shift into the two-path for racing room, an excellent tactical maneuver that -- in the end -- might have won the colt the race. Den's Legacy and Dirty Swagg were next in line, followed closely by Dry Summer.
Through fractions of :23 flat, :46.31, and 1:10.06, Manando continued to lead the way, but as the field entered the homestretch, Goldencents moved up on the outside to challenge for the lead. Manando fought on gamely, leading through seven furlongs in 1:22.84 seconds, but got a bit leg-weary late. As a result, Goldencents went on by in the final eighth of a mile to win in good fashion. The final time was 1:36.50 seconds.
Den's Legacy rallied up the fence to secure second by a half-length over Manando, while Dry Summer finished fifteen lengths further back in fourth. Dirty Swagg trailed the field.
The winner, a son of Into Mischief out of the Banker's Gold mare Golden Works, is trained by Doug O'Neill and owned by W. C. Racing, Dave Kenney, and RAP Racing.
-Keelerman
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