California Chrome Wins San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Las Vegas, NV - All eyes were on Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California on Saturday, January 9 when the $200,000 Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes was contested - a 1 1/16 mile test for older horses. The race marked the return of the great California Chrome for his first start since a second-place finish in the Dubai World Cup last March. He didn't disappoint - rolling to a relatively easy 1 1/4 lengths as 3-5 favorite in the field of seven. 7-1 shot Imperative closed strongly and captured second while 2-1 second choice Hoppertunity closed from seventh to finish third, a length back. Grade I winner Hard Aces finished fourth, followed by Blingo, Point Piper, and Alfa Bird to complete the order of finish. Mystery Train was scratched earlier in the day.