Halo Cat gave trainer Jerry Hollendorfer his fourth victory in the San Carlos Handicap by defeating Fleetstreet Dancer by 1 1/4 lengths in the one-mile feature Saturday at Golden Gate Fields.
The San Carlos has had seven runnings and Hollendorfer has dominated them, winning the stakes in 1999 with Kraal, in 2000 with Wegottohaveharte and in 2002 with Boss Ego.Halo Cat, who was coming off a three-length win in the six-furlong Montclair Handicap on Jan. 19, made it back-to-back stakes victories when he won the San Carlos in 1:34.91.Ridden by Russell Baze, Halo Cat took the lead from pacesetter I'madrifter in midstretch and then held off Fleetstreet Dancer to earn his ninth win in 22 starts and his fifth career stakes victory. The consistent 5-year-old gelding also has six seconds and two thirds."It was one of those rare occasions where the race went exactly like you expected," said Baze. "I knew going in that this horse had enough speed to keep I'madrifter honest. The race came down to getting by I'madrifter and holding off the closers. This horse is doing so good right now. He lunged out of the gate and felt great the whole way."Halo Cat, who paid $4.00 as the even-money favorite in a field of 10, earned $33,900 and has made $287,145 in his 22 races. Rancho San Miguel, Peter Abruzzo and John Franks own the Kentucky-bred in partnership. Fleetstreet Dancer, ridden by Chance Rollins, took second by a length over I'madrifter and paid $4.20 and $3.00. I'madrifter, with Roberto Gonzalez aboard, returned $5.60.
(Chart, Equibase)