ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Subsanador won the inaugural $1 million California Crown by a head over two Bob Baffert-trained colts in a photo finish at Santa Anita on Saturday. Argentine-bred Subsanador ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.
68. National Treasure was second and Newgate was another nose back in third on a day that featured top-level racing against a backdrop of big-name musicians and elevated food in an effort to boost the sagging sport in California. “Racing needs these things to succeed,” winning trainer Richard Mandella said.
“Racing has gotten too everyday and so to make a big day and get excitement going, that's what we need to do. Get people back in here.” The victory landed Mandella and fellow Hall of Famer, jockey Mike Smith, in the winner's circle, where Cher was part of the trophy presentation.
“It was pretty exciting,” Mandella said of meeting the singer and Oscar-winning actor. “Been a big fan all these years.” Earlier, Smith won the $750,000 California Crown Eddie D Stakes.
Subsanador paid $14.20 to win as the third choice in the field of six that included three Baffert horses. His other entry, 3-2 favorite Muth, finished last.
“We just got beat,” Baffert said. “Muth didn’t bring his ‘A’ game. He just didn’t fire.
The other two horses ran their hearts out.” Subsanador stalked National Treasure along the inside through both turns and went two-wide into the stretch. Smith went to a left-handed whip at the eighth pole and Subsanador dug .