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Greg's Gold shines in Potrero Grande GREG'S GOLD (Lake George) had often run well at Santa Anita prior to Saturday's $200,000 Potrero Grande H. (G2), but had been unlucky to run second in six of his eight appearances over the Arcadia, California oval. Things set up right for Greg's Gold on Saturday, as the gray veteran made a sweeping four-wide move around the turn and continued on strongly through the stretch to post a 1 3/4-length victory in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. The 3-1 second choice in a field of six, Greg's Gold returned $8, $3.40, and $2.60. Surf Cat (Sir Cat), the 6-5 favorite seeking his second win in the Potrero Grande, settled for second and paid $2.60 and $2.20. El Roblar (War Chant) finished in third, a length behind Surf Cat, and returned $2.80 at 5-1. The $1 exotics paid $8.60 (exacta) and $30.20 (5-4-1 trifecta). Following El Roblar in the order of finish were Peace Chant (War Chant), Johnny Eves (Skimming), and Sailors Sunset (Petionville). The latter two dueled early through fractions of :21 1/5 and :43 2/5 before running out of steam turning for home. It was at that point that Surf Cat and Greg's Gold ranged up on the outside, with Greg's Gold going the better of the two late under Victor Espinoza. Final time over the Cushion Track was 1:14 3/5. "He tries hard every single time," trainer David Hofmans said. "I think 6 1/2 furlongs was the difference (in beating Surf Cat) today. He was behind Surf Cat today and that gave him something to run at. He likes to run at a horse." The Potrero Grande was the fifth stakes win and third graded victory for Greg's Gold, whose biggest score occurred in the 2005 Bing Crosby H. (G1) at Del Mar. The gelding's record improved to 24-9-10-2, and he is now racing's newest millionaire with earnings of $1,067,923. The winner was bred in the Golden State by his owner, Bill Boswell, and was produced from the winning Lake Windermere (Fit to Fight). The 12-year-old mare has also produced a winning full brother named Loch Double, an unraced two-year-old full sister named Lite Stepper and an unnamed yearling half-brother by Ghostzapper.
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