Sent off as the 4-5 favorite, the Bobby Frankel-trained Super Quercus paid $3.60, $2.80, and $2.20. Most Likely returned $8 and $3.60. Sign of Hope paid $3.80 to show. The $1 exacta returned $17.70.M. Daniel Chassagneux Super Quercus bred Super Quercus (Hero's Honor--Ginger Candy, by Hilal) in France, where he began his racing career in 1998. In France, Super Quercus earned victories in three of six races, including the Prix Delahante before transferring to the States after his juvenile season. Super Quercus earned $55,000 for 3 Plus U Stable with the win. (Chart, Equibase)
The once highly regarded Super Quercus earned his first win since November of his 3-year-old season, ending a six-race losing streak in Saturday's $110,000 Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIIT). Super Quercus' last previous win came in the 1999 Early Times Hollywood Derby (gr. IT).After running the opening quarter-mile in :24.05 seconds, Most Likely ran the subsequent quarter in 23.50 seconds while opening a four-length lead over Takarian, as Super Quercus raced in fourth-place, about 11 length back. The field edged closer to the leader as Most Likely continued on the lead after six furlongs run in 1:12.31, with Super Quercus a closer fourth under Russell Baze. Super Quercus was still fourth and 3 1/2 lengths behind Most Likely a furlong from the wire before the French-bred 5-year-old kicked in through a sub-11 second final furlong, winning by a length at the wire.Super Quercus completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.50 on Bay Meadows' firm turf course. Most Likely finished second, followed by Sign of Hope, Takarian, Monsajem, and Ghostly Minister.