03/05/2013 6:03PM

Santa Anita notes: Clubhouse Ride may head to Charles Town Classic

By Steve Andersen
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Shigeki Kikkawa
Clubhouse Ride earned $150,000 for his runner-up finish in the Santa Anita Handicap, the richest payday of his 26-race career.

ARCADIA, Calif. - Clubhouse Ride, second to Game On Dude in the Santa Anita Handicap last Saturday, is being considered for the $1.5 million Charles Town Classic in West Virginia on April 20, trainer Craig Lewis said on Monday.

Game On Dude is a candidate for the same race.

“Most likely, he’ll chase Game On Dude across the country,” Lewis said.

“It will be a good field. We’ll take a chance.”

Game On Dude won the Big Cap over 1 1/4 miles by a record 7 3/4 lengths. Clubhouse Ride was a clear second in early stretch and held off a late rally from Called to Serve to take second by a nose.

Lewis said that Game On Dude was too tough to catch when allowed to set his own pace.

“When you let a good horse get loose, it’s over,” he said.

Clubhouse Ride, owned by Nikolas Petralia and Six-S Racing Stable, earned $150,000 for the runner-up finish, the richest payday of his 26-race career. A 5-year-old horse, Clubhouse Ride was second to Game On Dude in the San Antonio Stakes on Feb. 3.

Rider’s suspension stayed

Jockey Cheryl Charlton, who primarily rides Thoroughbreds at Los Alamitos with occasional mounts on the major Southern California Thoroughbred circuit, has been fined $1,000 and placed on probation through March 1, 2014, after testing positive for marijuana, according to a ruling issued by Santa Anita stewards.

Charlton’s license was suspended through March 1, 2014, but the suspension was stayed, provided that Charlton undergoes evaluation by the Winners’ Foundation, which aids people in horse racing with substance abuse issues; submits to drug testing; and “abstains from any mood altering substances,” according to the ruling.

The terms of the probation were part of a stipulated agreement between Charlton, 25, and the California Horse Racing Board.

Charlton had a career-best year in 2012, winning 105 races. Through Sunday, she had 2 wins from 47 mounts this year, but has not ridden since Feb. 17. Last September, Charlton had four wins at Fairplex Park.

** Veteran jockeys Brice Blanc, Victor Espinoza, and David Flores have new agents. Blanc will be represented by Vince DeGregory. Brad Pegram will book mounts on behalf of Flores, while Brian Beach will represent Espinoza.

leslie 9 months ago
good combo her and her pot smoking jockey boyfriend Vinnie Bednar
Forego137 9 months ago
Another Black Eye write up for the Sport Of Kings, is this all these writers seem to think we want to read about, what about these people that write these articles who checks on them, Hmm . . . . Maybe they should be tested and I bet it will be mostly POSITVE for these finger pointers.
Jordan 9 months ago
Clubhouse Ride also seems good running the turns, particularly the far turn(where he makes his move), and that's what wins at Charles Town given the short stretch.
Jordan 9 months ago
Clubhouse Ride, having had success at the Fairlplex bullring, would seem a logical contender for the Charles Town Classic. And 9 furlongs will suit him better than 10.
James Madden 9 months ago
Was she tested during the races or just before?..Sounds pretty serious to me!
Craig Mathews 9 months ago
come on CHRB.....She doesn't have a substance abuse problem...a joint, you gotta be kidding. In case you haven't checked, it is actually legal to use for medicinal purposes. Maybe her back was hurting, she just wanted to feel good. Someone needs to get these guys high, they are out of touch. They still cant figure out why people don't go to the track......they have computers to make bets...
leslienavarro5 9 months ago
Hey, dummy medicinal purposes does not include driving a car or or riding a race horse going 40mph against other straight jockeys apparently you are a pothead. no wonder the world is so messed up.