Adreamisborn Takes Eventful Grace Handicap

Adreamisborn, ridden by Russell Baze, bided his time before overtaking Charbonnier in the stretch en route to a 3 1/2-length win in the $98,000 Jospeph T. Grace Handicap at Santa Rosa, which was run for the first time on the Northern California track's new turf course.

A to the Z, the even-money favorite in the field of five, was eliminated at the start when he went to his knees leaving the gate and dumped jockey Omar Figueroa.

The winner, a Jerry Hollendorfer-trained 6-year-old Kris S. gelding, was held in reserve at the back of the field until launching his winning bid in the stretch run, completing the 1 1/16-mile event in 1:41 1/5.

This was the 34th running of the Grace Handicap, the signature event of the Sonoma County Fair's two-week meet.

Adreamisborn, carrying 118 pounds, was bumped hard at the start when A to the Z, just to his outside veered into him after bouncing back to his feet without Figueroa. Away last after the incident, Adreamisborn raced unhurriedly while about seven lengths off the solid pace set by Charbonnier (:21 3/5, :46 4/5, 1:09 3/5).

Charbonnier wound up second, a half-length in front of Kilgowan.

A to the Z led the field while running very wide and did not affect the outcome of the race. He was apparently uninjured.

Adreamisborn, a multiple graded stakes winner, earned $55,100 for his owners Mark DeDomenico, George Todaro, and Hollendorfer. He improved his record this year to three wins, three seconds and a third in seven starts with earnings of more than $210,000. Overall, his record is 8-9-3 in 25 lifetime starts with a bankroll of $501,530.

As the 6-5 second choice, he paid $4.40, $2.80, and $2.10. Charbonnier returned $3.20 and $2.40. Kilgowan's show was $2.60. Marcutio finished fourth while Peteski's Charm scratched.

(Chart, Equibase)