Heavily favored Zeewat overcame trouble at the start of the $100,000 California Derby at Golden Gate Fields to win the 1 1/16th miles race with a strong late rally.
Ridden to victory by Russell Baze, Zeewat broke just a step slowly at the start of the race and was forced to check hard when Wildcat Moon drifted sharply inward immediately after the start. As a result, Zeewat -- who normally races close to the pace -- found himself back in fourth as Wildcat Moon led the way through fractions of :25.43, :50.60, and 1:15.25 seconds. Tree of Life and Will True Up were his closest pursuers, while My Best Bet, Butterfly Soul, and Condiment were the trailers.
Rounding the final turn, Baze guided Zeewat to the far outside, and the colt responded with a burst of speed that put him in contention at the top of the stretch. Wildcat Moon stayed on gamely in the final eighth of a mile, attempting to hold off the favorite's rally, but Zeewat was simply too good, getting up in time to win a length in 1:46.50 seconds.
Tree of Life finished third, followed by Butterfly Soul, Will True Up, Condiment, and My Best Bet.
Zeewat is a son of Harlan's Holiday out of Delizia, by Distant View. He is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and owned by George Todaro and Jerry Hollendorfer.
-Keelerman
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