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Pioneer calls for Cash at Hollywood Zayat Stables' homebred PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker) took the lead in early stretch and held off a spirited run from I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even) to capture the $750,000 CashCall Futurity (G1) over the Hollywood Park Cushion oval on Saturday. In the hands of trainer Bob Baffert for the first time, the 7-5 choice was alert early and sat in perfect position while third as Ventana (Toccet) and Frumious (Grindstone) disputed the lead through fractions of :23 2/5 and :47. Approaching the final turn, Garrett Gomez began to urge his mount to ready for the stretch drive and he responded, getting clear of the first two to lead past the eighth-pole. I Want Revenge closed well near the inside and appeared to have more momentum than the eventual winner, but Gomez would not allow his mount to be passed. The final time for the 1 1/16 miles test was 1:41 4/5, and Pioneerof The Nile returned $4.80, $3.40 and $2.60 while a nose clear under the wire. I Want Revenge was unhurried early and moved into contention under his own courage, accelerated well inside the final furlong and just fell short while 1 1/2 lengths clear of third. The 6-1 third choice paid $6.20 and $4.40 while completing the $16.80 exacta ($1). Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride [Arg]) traveled wide throughout and offered a solid effort late to secure the third spot by two lengths at 7-1. Show was worth $4.40 and the $1 trifecta gave back $70.20. The $1 superfecta (5-7-6-10) paid $315.60 when the 7-1 Bittel Road (Stormy Atlantic) earned the fourth spot. Azul Leon (Lion Heart) was another 1 1/2 lengths back in fifth and was trailed by Axel Foley (Officer), Mark S The Cooler (Johar), Hype (More Than Ready), Frumious, J P Jammer (Old Trieste) and Ventana. Mr. Rod (Scrimshaw) was withdrawn. Pioneerof The Nile began his career with a close fourth in a maiden endeavor over the Saratoga lawn, and followed that debut with a triumph at that same venue. The juvenile then made the jump to Grade 1 company, where he made a visually impressive middle move prior to being third in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. In his latest venture, the Kentucky-bred was fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), beaten only 2 3/4 lengths under the tutelage of Bill Mott. His career line reads 5-2-0-1, $544,200. The winner was produced from 1997 La Troienne S. victress Star of Goshen (Lord at War [Arg]), making him a half-brother to three-time graded stakes placer Forefathers (Gone West) and an unnamed yearling filly by Fusaichi Pegasus. This is the same female line as Grade 1 hero Bordonaro (Memo [Chi]), who bagged the 2006 Ancient Title S. (G1).
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