In the 3rd race, stakes winner Ima Happy Cat took the 5.5f 62k Optional Claimer. Julien Couton had this daughter of Smiling Tiger sitting in 3rd behind Spring Heat and Impecunious, who were dueling on the lead. She was wheeled out into the 3 path in the stretch and ran on strongly to get up by 1/2 a length, despite not switching leads. Dan Markle did a great training job by having her ready in her 2nd start since August. She has definitely shown her best form sprinting, and I’d imagine they’d keep running her at a 1-turn distance. The final time for the race was 1:03.78, and she earned a 72 Beyer Speed Figure.
Still a Funny Girl took the 4th race on the card, and it was a 50k Starter Allowance for Fillies and Mares 4yos and up going 1m. She was coming out of a strong race, where she ran 3rd to Wish You Were Mine. Jockey Julien Couton stalked the leaders and gave her a great ride by staying glued to the rail throughout the race– the rail opened as they entered the stretch and she kicked on well to score by 3 lengths. The Patrick Gallagher trainee has a beautiful pedigree, she is by Distorted Humor and out of an AP Indy mare. Still a Funny Girl was coming off a 2 1/2 month layoff prior to her last start and it seemed to have her primed for today’s effort. The final time was 1:40.16, and she earned a 68 Beyer Speed Figure.
Jockeys: Julien Couton led the way by scoring 3 wins on the card. Frank Alvarado and William Antongeorgi each had strong showings with 2 wins.
- Cedillo *58* 2. Hernandez *44* 3. Martinez *33*
Trainers: Steve Sherman had 2 wins on the program– he took Race 1 with Wasco and Race 8 with C C The Bartender. Jonathan Wong reached the 40-win mark after winning the 2nd with Major Implications.
- Wong *40* 2. Hollendorfer *15* 3. Wright *14*
I know there was not a ‘Horses to Watch’ released last week (my bad), but there will be one coming out on Wednesday.
Live racing resumes Thursday with a 7-race card. First post is at 12:45pm.
Today’s full results and charts https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG022419USA.pdf
NorCal Horse Racing News 