CALIFORNIA FLAG WINS THIRD GRADE III MORVICH STAKES; SECRET CIRCLE OVERWHELMS IN JACK GOODMAN STAKES

Arcadia, Calif. (October 10, 2011)—California Flag wins his third Grade III Morvich Stakes on Columbus Day at Santa Anita Park. He was able to hold on with an unlucky Leroy’s Dynameaux who came charging, but was not able to find a hole between California Flag and Ain’t No Other.

“I had horse coming across the dirt and he just kicked on and fought it out hard,” said jockey Patrick Valenzuela, “He’s a fighter.” It was a gutsy effort for the 7-year-old who struck the front across the dirt and held on.

Trainer Brian Koriner was unsure when asked about the Breeders’ Cup , “I don’t know. We’ll talk about it. We didn’t know what to expect.” California Flag would go for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint if he were to run.

Future star Secret Circle romped home to take the 6 furlong Jack Goodman Stakes. “It was unbelievable, he ran better than the last time,” said jockey Rafael Bejarano, “I didn’t even use the whip, I just galloped and cruised.” It was certainly an impressive win, one that even caught Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s eye.

“He sort of surprised me,” said trainer Bob Baffert, “that he ran that fast. I gave him a little time off, freshened him up, so this should set him up for the new Breeders’ Cup Sprint race.” The Breeders’ Cup Sprint is $500,000 event for 2-year-olds at six furlongs to be run on November 5.

Racing resumes at Santa Anita Park on Thursday.