The California Cup Day at Santa Anita Park was filled with dramatic finishes, unexpected upsets, and stellar performances. The event, originally scheduled for the previous weekend but postponed due to wildfires and poor air quality, featured several thrilling races that showcased the best of state-bred talent. Two standout moments included Whiskyginandbrandy's victory in the California Cup Derby after a disqualification and Take Another Card's impressive win in the California Cup Oaks. Additionally, Old Pal triumphed in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic, while Shocking Grey pulled off an 8-1 upset in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint. Big City Lights also delivered a commanding performance in the Cal Cup Sprint.
The Disputed Victory in the California Cup Derby
The California Cup Derby saw a dramatic turn of events as Shea Brennan initially crossed the finish line first but was later disqualified for making contact with Whiskyginandbrandy near the top of the stretch. This decision by the stewards promoted Whiskyginandbrandy to the winner's circle. Both horses were mounting strong rallies from the outside when the incident occurred, leading to a heated discussion among jockeys and officials.
In a detailed account, Tiago Pereira, riding Whiskyginandbrandy, claimed foul, stating that Shea Brennan's horse bumped his mount, causing it to lose stride. Antonio Fresu, aboard Shea Brennan, would have won his third stakes race on the card if not for the disqualification. The final time for the 1 1/16 miles race was 1:46.12. Trainer Steve Knapp expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the bump clearly influenced the result. Whiskyginandbrandy, owned by Anthony Chacón, Víctor Flores, and Terry Lovinger, paid $42.20 to win, marking a significant payday for bettors who backed the long shot.
Sensational Wins in the California Cup Oaks and Other Races
The California Cup Oaks provided another highlight of the day as Take Another Card, trained by Simon Callaghan, secured a neck victory under Héctor Berrios. This was her stakes debut following a successful turf sprint three weeks earlier. The filly demonstrated remarkable composure, staying comfortable throughout the race despite some jostling in the stretch. Her winning time of 1:36.98 solidified her status as a rising star in the racing world.
Elsewhere on the card, Old Pal emerged victorious in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic, overcoming mid-pack positioning to claim a one-length win. Jockey Antonio Fresu credited trainer Mark Glatt for preparing the horse well, highlighting the extra eighth of a mile as a crucial factor. In the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint, Shocking Grey stunned the crowd with an 8-1 upset, outrunning the favorite Stay and Scam. Finally, Big City Lights dominated the Cal Cup Sprint, achieving a 7 3/4-length victory. These races collectively underscored the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the exceptional talent within the sport.