Capitano No Bridesmaid in Rolling Green

(from Golden Gate Fields report)
Capitano, a colt that habitually runs second, came from last to win Saturday's $95,625 Rolling Green Breeders' Cup Handicap at Golden Gate Fields.

Coming into the Rolling Green, Capitano had run in six stakes races and finished second in four of them. The 4-year-old chestnut defeated Courtly Jazz by a half-length in the 1 1/8-mile turf contest that drew just four starters.

Courtly Jazz was disqualified from second and placed third for interfering with Gold Ruckus in deep stretch. Mister Acpen, the 7-to-5 favorite, finished last after setting the pace.

Adreamisborn and Tony Montana were scratched.

Thomas R. Bell II trains Capitano, who was patiently ridden by Southern California-based Jon Court.

The Pennsylvania-bred Capitano, a consistent son of Belong to Me, has finished in the money in 13 of his 17 career starts, winning four times. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Meguerditchian, Capitano earned $55,000 for the Rolling Green win to boost his bankroll to $349,138.

Roberto Gonzalez, who rode Mister Acpen, said the favorite had no excuse.

"He relaxed pretty good on the backside and we were having things our own way, but when it was time to run he didn't have any punch," said Gonzalez.

(Chart, Equibase)