Game On Dude gives Baffert third Big ‘Cap victory

Saturday | March 05, 2011

Game On Dude overcame a three wide trip in the early going, a bumping incident at the top of the stretch, losing the lead in the final furlong, and a long stewards’ inquiry to win the $750,000 Santa Anita H. (G1) March 5 at the southern California track (VIDEO).

The hard-fought victory was Bob Baffert’s third in the marquee race for older horses during the winter/spring meet; he won last year’s renewal with Misremembered and the 2000 running with General Challenge.

Sent off at 14-1 in the 11 horse field, Game On Dude was hustled out of the gate by Chantal Sutherland, engaging in a three-way battle for the lead around the first turn. Another Baffert trainee, First Dude, prompted the pace down the backstretch, with Game On Dude maintain his position off the rail. Sutherland made her move around the turn, poking a head in front with Setsuko and Twirling Candy in hot pursuit. The trio entered the stretch with Game On Dude on the inside and 1-2 favorite Twirling Candy in the middle of the trio.

That’s when the action started. Twirling Candy brushed with Setuko on the outside, then bumped the hip of Game On Dude, causing him to swerve outward and bump the favorite solidly. Twirling Candy began to fade, but Setsuko was still strong and managed to get to the front. Game On Dude was incredibly resilient in the final strides, and stuck his nose in front as the duo hit the wire. The final time for the 1 1/4-miles was 1:59.47.

After the inquiry light came on, it took the stewards some 12 minutes to determine that the order of finish would stand. With official results posted, Chantal Sutherland became the first female winner of the race in its 74 year history.

“This is by far the best win in my career. Even getting a leg up from Bob on the horse was great. I just had such a good feeling today, I’m glad it came to fruition,” said Sutherland after the race.

The win was the first Grade 1 score for Game On Dude, who tuned up for the race with an allowance victory at Santa Anita on Jan. 27. The 4-year-old gelding began his career in Florida, but made his first start for Baffert in the 2010 Derby Trial (G3). He subsequently won the Lone Star Derby (G3) before running fourth in the Belmont S. (G1), his final start last year.

Game On Dude is owned by Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable, and others. Adena Springs bred the dark bay/brown son of Awesome Again in Kentucky. His record now stands at 4-1-0 from eight starts, with earnings of $702,658.

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