Reba's Gold May Have Answer in Californian

(from Hollywood Park notes)
Reba's Gold is a tough old veteran who trainer Dan Hendricks hopes is peaking just at the right time to spring an upset in the $400,000 Californian Stakes (gr. II) Saturday at 1 1/8 miles.

Reba's Gold, a 6-year-old horse, returned from a six-month layoff to run one of the biggest races of his life on May 26 with an eight-length victory in the Seabiscuit Handicap (gr. III) at 1 1/16 mile at Bay Meadows.

"He sat back nicely, made a nice little move – more quickly than I expected – circled the field in a sixteenth of a mile, put four lengths on them and galloped," said Hendricks Thursday, describing his horse's trip in the Seabiscuit.

He hopes Reba's Gold can repeat the devastating move in the Californian, a race in which he faded to sixth after setting the pace last year.

"The race sets up good for him," said Hendricks. "But it's a good competitive field."

Reba's Gold drew post three in a field of eight.

He appeared to appreciate the vacation following a ninth-place finish in the Japan Cup (Jap-I) on November 23.

"We were planning to give him the time off after the Japan trip," said Hendricks of the grueling excursion.

Reba's Gold, a Kentucky-bred son of Slew o' Gold, has recorded eight firsts, six seconds and five thirds in 30 starts and earned $566,922 for Creston Farms, nom de course for Alex Trebek, better known as the host of the television quiz show "Jeopardy."

"He's a good sound hard-knocking horse who has been there since he was a 2-year-old," said Hendricks. "Now he's 6, and he's still doing it. He is one of his owner's first horses, and he's been to Japan once and Texas twice."

$00,000 Californian Stakes (gr. II), 3 & up, 1 1/8 mile
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Kudos (KY), 116, Alex O. Solis
2. Gondolieri (CHI), 118, Frank T. Alvarado
3. Reba's Gold (KY), 118, David R. Flores
4. Calkins Road (CA), 116, Victor Espinoza
5. Piensa Sonando (CHI), 118, Gary L. Stevens
6. Western Pride (FL), 118, Patrick A. Valenzuela
7. Wooden Phone (FL), 116, Corey S. Nakatani
8. Fleetstreet Dancer (KY), 116, Tyler Baze