Grade I winning sprinter Greg's Gold returned from an absence of more than 18 months to win a $78,120 allowance event over four rivals at Santa Anita Sunday.
Trained by David Hofmans for California owner/breeder William R. Boswell, the 6-year-old Lake George gelding ran for the first time Sunday since winning the Bing Crosby Handicap (gr. I) at Del Mar July 31, 2005. Greg's Gold, who earned his first victory at Santa Anita in five starts, has now won three in a row.
With regular rider David Flores aboard, the 6-5 favorite Greg's Gold broke from the rail in the six-furlong test. The gray won a pace duel with Barber (:21 3/5, :44 1/5), shook loose of his rival mid-stretch, and drew off under a cool hand ride to win by 3 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:09. Brooker, ridden by Aaron Gryder swept past Barber and Richard Migliore for second.
Greg's Gold paid $4.40, $3.20, and $2.40 for his fifth lifetime win in 14 starts. He has earned $400,068.
The Bing Crosby victory, at odds of 8-1, was the first graded stakes appearance for Greg's Gold. He defeated a field that included Taste of Paradise and Battle Won, who contested the TVG Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) later in the year.
Greg's Gold won the six-furlong Crosby in 1:08.
(Chart, Equibase)